The end was near and the small faithful from Brighton sensed another Bulldog victory over heated rival Hartland.
“Just like football,” bellowed the Brighton student section as Brighton put the finishing touches of a 50-41 win at Hartland Friday night.
During Brighton’s heart-pounding 9-7 football victory, the battle cry swept the Hartland sidelines like a tsunami.
“Stop wide receiver Ashton Tomassi from catching passes stops Brighton.”
Hartland didn’t do it on the football field. The Eagles fought like warriors Friday night but could not do it in basketball. Tomassi blitzed Hartland for 23 points and three steals. He was especially deadly in the third quarter, hitting three three-point baskets while scoring 13 of Brighton’s 16 points during a 16-5 Bulldogs mauling that overcame a 20-18 halftime deficit.
“I think it was my teammates driving to the hoop,” Tomassi said. “Their defense is set up to stop me and Ed (Millington). So when we drive, they panic. It’s that split second of them stopping that gets me and Ed open.”
Millington was no slouch either. He chipped in 10 points and 12 rebounds. Teammate Ben Anderson hit double figures also with 10 point and seven rebounds.
There was one more factor. Brighton often scored on fast break opportunities that were set up by its defense. A decisive 34-17 rebounding edge sparked Brighton’s fast break. Hartland bogged down too often in slow-paced half-court basketball.
Just like football Brighton (15-3 overall, 9-2 in conference play) sits atop the KLAA West Division in a two way tie with Canton (11-7, 9-2). The two face off one more time Feb. 17 at Canton. Brighton won the first meeting 69-52 in January at home.
Brighton also swept the two game series against Hartland. In both games, the game came down to Brighton being better in the second half. Hartland led 20-18 at half time Friday. A month ago the game was tied 23-23 at the half, but Brighton rolled 51-41
Five Brighton football players pepper the Bulldogs roster. They won in football because of toughness and being a step better late in games. Tomassi believes the football mentality carries over to basketball.
“Yeah,” he said. “Hustling. The physicality. I don’t feel I get bumped around as much in basketball as I should. Every sport has something that can contribute to another sport.”
Senior guard Michael Pennala paced Hartland with 15 points, four rebounds and three steals.