The Palm Beach Central High School boys basketball team weathered an early surge by the King’s Academy and cruised to a 63-43 victory on the road against the host Lions on Friday, Jan. 26. The Broncos (15-5) were led by Eduardo Diaz with 17 points and two three-point baskets.
The Lions jumped out to an early 4-0 lead in the first two minutes of the game, but the Broncos quickly rallied back to grab a 13-10 lead, which forced a timeout by the Lions.
The Broncos held the momentum for the balance of the first half, leading 37-18, in addition to holding the Lions to single-digit scoring in the second period.
The King’s Academy established some early steam in the third period, outscoring the Broncos 15-7, but with Palm Beach Central holding such a lead, it made for a difficult quest for the Lions to climb close enough to challenge for the lead.
The Broncos poured on the offense in the final period to pull away, despite a valiant effort by the Lions, and closed out the contest with a 20-point victory, 63-43. The win improved the Broncos to 15-5 after winning three games straight.
Top performances on the night for the Broncos were Diaz with 17 points and two three-point baskets; Alphonse Alfred scored 12 points and recorded a three-point basket. The Broncos were also 18 for 22 from the free-throw line.
Palm Beach Central is scheduled to travel across town to play rival and district foe Wellington High School on Friday, Feb. 1 in a much-anticipated rematch, after the Broncos bested Wellington in their first meeting of the season. Tip-off is at 7:30 p.m.
