By JIM WALKER

Tribune Sports Editor

 

FRANKLIN FURNACE — The Green Bobcats turned to their defense and it responded.

The Bobcats used a strong defensive effort as they rallied to beat the Portsmouth West Senators 39-35 on Friday in the season opener.

“It was a good way to start the season,” said Green coach Bobby Blanton. “I’m happy with our effort. Our defensive effort was great.”

Robbie Applegate scored the first seven points of the game as Green took an 11-7 lead.

West rallied to take a 24-18 halftime lead as J.B. Travis had 10 points.

But Green held Travis scoreless in the second half to fuel their comeback. The Bobcats were down 30-26 after three quarters and trailed by 10 in the fourth quarter before staging their comeback.

“We change our defense and we tried to locate (Travis) in the second half,” said Blanton.

Cody Bruce led Green with 17 points and five rebounds. Applegate had 10 points and five rebounds.

Zach Bolton led West with 12 points.

Ports. West 7 17 6 5 = 35

Green 11 7 8 13 = 39

PORTSMOUTH WEST (0-1): Zach Frye 1 0 2-3 4, Austin Bricker 0 0 2-2 2, Zach Bolton 4 1 1-2 12, Michael Hafer 2 0 0-3 4, Adam Bricker 1 0 1-1 3, J.B. Travis 2 2 0-0 10. Totals: 10 3 6-11 35. Fouls: 23. Fouled out: Travis. Au. Bricker.

GREEN (1-0): Steven Blanton 1 0 0-0 2, Rob Applegate 2 1 3-7 10, Clay Applegate 1 0 1-2 3, Cody Bruce 6 0 5-8 17, Tyler Crace 0 2 0-2 6, Colton Brammer 0 0 1-2 1, Adam Riffitt 0 0 0-4 0. Totals: 13-38 10-25 39. Fouls: 14. Fouled out: None. 3-point goals: 3-10. Rebounds: 20 (Bruce 5, R. Applegate 5, Crace 4). Assists: 5. Steals: 3. Turnovers: 11.