Bronaugh derailed by Drexel in district title game

Bronaugh Wildcats guard Gabe McIntire drives to the basket while being defended by Drexel's Joey Jacobs during the second half of the Class 1 District 7 championship game Friday night in Hume. (Photo by Matthew Resnick Daily Mail)

In a battle of the top two seeds in the Class 1 District 7 championship game Friday night in Hume, the top-seeded Bronaugh Wildcats fell to No. 2 seed Drexel 53-36.

The Wildcats conclude the 2015-16 season 17-10 overall.

Bronaugh opened up the game ice-cold from the field, as Drexel jumped out to a an 8-3 lead late in the first quarter ---- increasing its advantage to 20-5 three minutes into the second quarter.

Bronaugh trailed 26-15 at halftime.

The Wildcats made a strong push to open the second half, as senior point guard Gabe McIntire willed Bronaugh back into the game, sparking an 11-3 run, highlighted by a McIntire steal and coast-to-coast drive for a lay-up, and capped by a Justin Hudson 3-pointer from the right wing, trimming its deficit to 29-26.

On the Wildcats following possession, junior forward Tyler Strunk's basket in the low-post was waived off as he was called for a travel.

From that point, the Wildcats went on an extended offensive drought, as Drexel went on a 16-2 run, opening up a 17-point lead.

Also hindering Bronaugh was foul trouble, as Hudson fouled out midway though the third quarter. In addition, Wildcats junior guard Joe Mader fouled out.

For Bronaugh, McIntire tied for a game-high with 22 points.