Broncos End Historic Season with a Loss to Friends Academy in the State Quarterfinals
Chris Kelty (13) and Conor O’Neil (15) in the regional final against Friends Academy. Photo by David Fenner.
By J. Murrer and S.Q DeJoy
March 16, 2022: The 2022 Bronxville boys’ basketball team has been steady all season with physical strength and deep talent that has kept them on top and positioned for a run in the state tournament. After receiving the number one seed in the sectional playoffs, the team did not disappoint. They made a historic run winning the class B championship over Briarcliff, earning a spot in the subregional game.
In subregional game last Thursday, the Broncos continued the charge with a solid 74-52 win over Section 9’s Rondout Valley. The Broncos played strong from the start with a 23-11 lead after the first quarter and were up by 17 at the half. The Broncos spread the scoring around with four players scoring in double digits: Chris Kelty with 23 points and 13 rebounds, Teddy Dolan had 18 points on 6 3-pointers, Sean McGrath scored 13 points, and Finn Ruhanen had 11.
On Sunday night the team traveled to Yorktown to take on Friends Academy for the second regional game before the state semifinals. The Broncos came out flat and fell behind by 13 points early in the game but did not panic and picked up their defense to end the half down 34-23. The Broncos came out strong defensively after the half and were able to tie up the game 40-40 on a shot from Conor O’Neil late in the game. The scoring went back and forth with the last tie score at 44-44 with 1:35 left on the clock. The Quakers answered back with a 3-point shot, and Bronxville could not get the ball to fall their way after that. The Broncos lost a very hard-fought game 50-46.
It was a historic season for a very special Bronxville team that made their first-ever appearance in the state quarterfinals. The team finished the season with a 21-5 record.
It was a great ending for the eight seniors: Chris Kelty, Jack Hershberg, Conor O’Neil, Finn Ruhanen, Teddy Dolan, Luke Sheehan, Danny Reilly, and Gene Rooney. These seniors and their teammates set the bar high for the teams that follow and will not be soon forgotten.
Go Broncos.
Photo Gallery: Broncos in the regional game against Friends Academy. Click on a photo to scroll through. Photos below by David Fenner.
