Brebeuf scored the first ten points of the fourth quarter to break open a two-point game, coasting to a 58-43 victory over the visiting University HS Trailblazers for the team’s third straight win and fifth out of six since beginning the season with two close losses. Austin Ford led three double-figure scorers for the Braves with 17, including six straight after University had taken their only lead of the game, 32-31 at the 3:00 mark in the third quarter. Until then, Brebeuf had led the entire game following a terrific first quarter shooting performance which had staked them to a 20-10 lead after one. Austin’s steal and feed to a streaking Dylan Logan for 2 of his 11 points put the Braves back ahead 33-32, and Brebeuf would not, uh, trail the ‘Blazers again, leading 39-37 after three. University does not fear big moments, having finished state runner-up in 2A last season, so there was still work to be done, but Chace Ford (13 points), big brother Austin, and Jayden Washington (6 points) scored the first ten points of the fourth quarter, while on defense the Braves denied the taller Trailblazers any offensive rebounds of missed shots until the lead had grown back to double digits. In the “Things that Make Coaches Happy” category, Brebeuf had their best night of the season from the free throw line, making 17 out of 20, including their last nine, which bodes well for the team as it hits the meat of its schedule. This is a sneaky-good Braves team, one that is still flying largely under the radar. Not having a flashy Billy Smith or Evan Haywood on the team will do that, as will playing a meat grinder front-loaded schedule. But they have six guys that can lead the team in scoring on any given night, and a style of play that can ignite ten-point runs at any point in the game. Friday night at Zionsville, they’ll have a chance to beat the Eagles for the first time in nine years, which would loudly announce their presence to 3A poll voters and the local HS sports media. So cancel whatever plans you had for Friday evening (Peach Bowl, smeach bowl*) and go watch the Braves get a big road “W” over Zionsville. Go Braves! *opinions are those of the writer, and not necessarily representative of Brebeuf Athletics or Brebeuf Jesuit Preparatory School