Bobcats Open Basketball Season With Win Over Braketon, 58-44

HOBART, OHIO – The Hobart High Bobcats opened their basketball season Tuesday with a 58-44 home victory over the Braketon Bulldogs at Hobart High gymnasium, giving head coach Terry Messer his 200th career game on the sideline, a milestone he acknowledged only when asked directly.

The Bobcats led wire to wire, with junior guard Kevin Prater accounting for 21 points and holding Braketon’s leading scorer to a single field goal in the second half. Center Donte Elkins added 14 points and 9 rebounds before fouling out in the fourth quarter, which he disputed loudly and at length.

“We’ve got things to work on,” said Coach Messer, “but a win’s a win and Braketon’s a scrappy program. We respect that.”

The Bobcats (1-0) host the Sumpoint Pirates on Friday. Tip-off is at 7 p.m. The Village reminds fans that the east gymnasium door sticks and should not be forced.

Game Notes

• The halftime buzzer malfunctioned and sounded for approximately 45 uninterrupted seconds.
• Three ceiling tiles were reported loose following a contested dunk. Facilities has been notified.
• A PAL-TV camera crew arrived at the wrong gymnasium and filmed a study hall for 20 minutes before being redirected.