BB: Jeff opens season with 94-76 victory over rival Rossville

By Jessica Brooks
Staff Reporter

It was a big night for Lafayette Jefferson Nov. 26 as they hosted long-time rival Rossville to open their season. A 94-76 victory and a new school record for points scored by one player in a game made the night exciting for the team and its fans.

Junior Jesse Berry set the school-record, leading Lafayette Jeff with 51 points. Berry hit 17 of 30 field goal attempts that included six 3-pointers.

The previous record was held by Brent Green, who scored 45 of his team’s 102 points in a Lafayette Regional championship victory against DeMotte in 1970.

Roddy Richardson also helped lead the Bronchos to their victory. He tallied 22 points, nine rebounds and six assists, most of which were to Berry.

Berry’s leadership was much needed as the team opened their season without senior guard and reigning All-Area Big School Player of the Year Brandon Williams, who has been suspended indefinitely.

The first quarter of the game was close. Berry collected 17 points with Richardson by his side; the duo put up 11 3-point attempts in the quarter. Senior Aaron Martin led the first quarter for the Hornets, scoring three of Rossville’s five first-quarter 3’s to keep up with the Bronchos. After Lafayette Jeff realized his capabilities, Richardson stepped up his defense and held Martin to 1 of 16 the rest of the game.

With 5:11 remaining in the second quarter, Rossville led 29-26. But a Berry 3-pointer ignited a 33-5 Broncho run that carried into the third quarter. Lafayette Jeff led 43-32 at the half.

Berry scored 17 of his points in the third quarter, and the Bronchos increased their lead to 79-53 by the end of the third.

In the fourth quarter, the Hornets began to take back the game and cut down the lead. But their efforts came too late for a victory. Rossville’s Kendall Sadler showed great frustration as he made every possible attempt to halt Lafayette Jeff’s shooting. The senior guard led Rossville with 19 points, nine assists and seven rebounds.

In addition to Berry and Richardson, Shane Wyant scored nine for the Bronchos. Martin ended the night with 15 points and eight rebounds for Rossville.