A promise well kept provided a major difference for Brainerd High School’s boys’ basketball team.
Kevin Halfacre and Malik Hymon had each other’s backs as the junior duo keyed a 62-57 signature victory over Tyner, which visited Robert High-Carolyn Jackson Gymnasium with a flawless District 6-AA record on what was a good Saturday to be indoors.
“In eighth grade we use to always go at it and argue,” said Halfacre, who had 16 points, seven assists and three steals as the Panthers forced 21 turnovers. “When we got to Brainerd together, we just made a promise to each other we were going to stay together and benefit each other’s game.”
While Halfacre and LaDerron Freeman shouldered a heavy load of the scoring to create a 47-32 lead through the end of three quarters, Hymon’s poised presence and daggers were needed late.
Down by as many as 20 points, a Rams squad once again honoring the late Javon Craddock cut its deficit to 52-50 after Kobe Smith’s tough finish through contact with just less than four minutes left to play.