Tough.
It’s a single word that best describes the Belle Fourche Broncs this season.
The Broncs have gone through battles this season, from tough losses to injuries, but a team that prides themselves on their defensive play has proven that when Belle Fourche gets knocked down, their only destination is up.
“They play hard and give it everything they got. Their attitude is unbelievable,” Head Coach Bill Burr said of his team. “The girls like to pride themselves on defense and we try to play hard defense and we create turnovers and get points, and we have five girls that can score double figures. Every game we have someone else step up.”
The Broncs started the season playing well, going 11-3 with great wins against Wall and Hill City. But a 48-point loss to St. Thomas More caused the Broncs to stop and evaluate the season at hand.
“We played some close games and had some big wins before STM and we were kinda coasting and I think our whole attitude changed and some things had to change,” Coach Burr said. “We had some injuries and after that game, we said ‘it’s not how you get knocked down it’s about how you get up.’
The Broncs have now shown their great mental toughness, putting together a run of wins to the state tournament that includes New Underwood, Faith and Rapid City Christian (twice).
“We talked about our composure and if we are going to start our season now,” Burr said of the mentality of his team after the St.Thomas More loss. “We knew we had a tough road ahead and the kids responded well.”
Belle Fourche will have to keep playing their best basketball, as they will face a tough Hamlin team in the first round of the state tournament.
“They are a powerhouse, and they are physical, and they have a great post,” Burr said of Hamlin. “Their defense is strong and [they] board well, box well, and shoot well. But we matchup up with them.”
However, despite their tough opponent, Coach Burr thinks the competition West River has well prepared the Broncs for the road ahead. 4 teams made from the west river area competed in the Sodak 16, with St. Thomas More, Winner and Belle Fourche making the tournament. Hill City lost by two in an upset.
“There is competition this way. There [are] 3 teams making it (to the state tournament), and Hill City, break their heart.”
Now the Broncs (18-4) will head to Watertown for a 7:00 p.m. matchup against Hamlin (20-2) on Thursday. And there is no doubt that they will bring that mental toughness and great defense east of the Missouri River.
“You come out this side (west river), you’re playing some good basketball right now. We will have to prove ourselves this side of the river, but we will bring that chip on our shoulder. “
This article is part of our series of State Tournament Previews
