The Benbrook Bobcats knew Monday night would test them.
Entering the Bi District playoff at 20-13 overall and third in district, they drew a Krum team that had not lost a district game and carried a 17-game win streak into a packed Keller Central gym.
On paper, it was a tall task. On the floor, it was even tougher.
Krum jumped out early, pressing and trapping to force turnovers and limit touches for Brennan Barton. The Bobcats trailed 17-7 after the first quarter, searching for rhythm against an aggressive defense.
They found life in the second, though. Barton broke free for four three-pointers and added five more points, helping cut the deficit to 34-28 at halftime.
Dorien Johnson and Jayden Hall chipped in as the Bobcats pushed back and gave their crowd reason to believe.
However, coming out of halftime just seconds into the third, a turnover led to a fast-break dunk by Krum’s Brian Dorgbetor, shifting momentum again.
The Bobcats continued to trade baskets, with Barton, Cael Denson returning from injury, and Jayden Bradshaw keeping the offense moving. Still, Krum built a 63 to 45 lead heading into the fourth.
Benbrook tried a 2-3 zone to slow Krum’s size inside, but the adjustment was quickly answered with outside shooting. Then, foul trouble and missed opportunities made the climb steeper.
With just over two minutes remaining and the outcome decided, reserves entered for both teams as Bobcat seniors took their final walk off the court. Krum closed out an 87-58 win and extended its streak to 18 games.
Barton led Benbrook with 32 points. Hall and Bradshaw added six each. The Bobcats finish the season 20-14 overall and 8-4 in district play.
For a senior class that helped steady the program and competed at a high level, the final score does not tell the full story. They leave behind a foundation of effort, growth, and belief to build a solid future for the up-and-coming players.
The season ends here, but the standard they set carries forward and far into the brightly shining future.
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