On Tuesday, Jan. 13, the Archie Williams boys varsity basketball team took on the Branson Bulls at home. Both teams fought hard and showed resilience, but ultimately Archie Williams won, 59-55, after a second-half comeback. The Falcons now stand 13-4 in the North Coast Section. 

“We beat a team we really wanted to beat. I think we all played great, especially in the second half. We were down at halftime, but we persevered, fought through it, and ended up winning,” said senior Brian Wright. 

The student section was full of energy as Branson took the lead and won the tip-off. Shortly after, Brian made the first bucket for Archie Williams, but the Branson Bulls quickly responded with a fast break. The first quarter ended with a slow start from the Falcons, and Branson was in the lead 8-13.

“I think the most surprising thing was our start. I thought we were gonna come out, but we came out a little slower than we expected,” said senior Ephraim Sohn.

The Falcons started the second quarter with a rebound from senior Grady Stewart as the Falcons’ defense began to pick up. Branson persevered and maintained their lead, keeping the score 10-17. After a time out, tension was high as both teams battled.

After a timeout, James Butler started the rest of the quarter with a free throw. Branson responded with a rebound and two quick points, resulting in a score of 12-21. Grady and James continued to score even as Branson’s defense picked up until a Bulls three-pointer ended the second quarter 20-29.

“Moving forward, it felt good. We found our flow in the second half,” Grady said. “In past games, we haven’t played our best, so that second half really lifted our energy and showed we can compete at a high level.”

During halftime, the Archie Williams Dance Troupe made an appearance, performing on center court, while the Falcons prepared to pick up the pace in the third quarter. 

The third quarter opened with a free throw for Branson, which was then followed by two scores from Brian. Brian’s play was followed by Grady as he came in with a rebound and secured another bucket, continuing to apply pressure on the Bulls. Branson began to pick up momentum, but chemistry between star players Brian and Grady pushed past the pressure, and the third quarter ended with the score 42-35 with Archie Williams in the lead. 

“In the third quarter, we made a run. We were down about eight at halftime, and it really started with our defense. We got a few stops, got out in transition, and got some easy baskets. From there, we fed off the crowd and just kept it going,” said head coach Mike Clagget. 

Archie Williams finished the game off strong and added to their third quarter run. However, Branson responded, with both teams exchanging baskets. Branson made a shot, tying the score, but Archie Williams put up strong defense, forcing a missed pass from Branson. 

The missed pass from Branson led to free throws for Archie Williams, who closed out the game with a final score of 59-55. The Falcons look to take on Monte Vista next on Jan. 17.

“We’re a resilient team. Even when we don’t start well, the guys stay tough, support each other, and know how to win close games. That’s a skill that will take us far into February,” Clagget said.