Ray Conner
Sports Editor

The Minutemen of Maranatha scored closer to two per minute in the second quarter as they swept past Kern Valley in the CIF playoff game on Feb. 17.

Maranatha scored 23 points in the 12 minute second quarter to blow open the game. They would continue to cruise their way into the second round.

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The game started off with both teams battling for the lead. When the horn sounded to end the first quarter, the Broncs were looking at an 11-7 deficit.

When the bell sounded for the second quarter, the Minutemen were off and running. They were forcing turnovers and pouring in one shot after another to increase their margin to 34-13 heading into the break.

The Broncs came out from the locker room at half time still shell shocked as they managed just nine points in the third.

Maranatha dropped in 18 more points to go take the 30-point lead with one quarter to play.

The Broncs found a little bit of offense in the fourth as they put up 16 points. They out scored the Minutemen 16-7.

Warren Pappas was the offensive standout for the Broncs (12-15 overall) as he scored 16 points to lead the team.

Dusty Heffner added nine points, including a three-pointer, while Anthony Hernandez scored five points. Kenny Haigler put in four points, while Cory Stanfield had three points.

Shane Russell, a jayvee player up for the playoffs scored his first varsity point as he sank a free throw.

On the boards, Pappas led the team as he grabbed seven rebounds. Haigler pulled down six boards, while Hernandez and Jake Hodge each had three rebounds.Heffner had two boards, while Stanfield was credited with one rebound for the Broncs.

Heffner handed out four assists to lead Kern Valley. Hernandez, Pappas and Stanfield recorded one assist each. Hodge recorded five blocked shots against Maranatha, while Pappas was credited with two blocks. Hernandez, Pappas, Stanfield and Hodge each were credited with two steals, while Russell and Doug Peaslee had one steal apiece.

Head coach Brian Christianson said, “I am very proud of the effort that the team put forth tonight. It was a tough physical game and the players played hard.”

Besides, Russell, the other Jayvee Broncs players called up for the CIF playoff game were Tanner Cargile, Travis Gibson, Aaron LaFarga and Steven Strahl.