Fossil Ridge (No.6) beat Brighton (No.11) Wednesday night 73-59 in the first round of the 5A play offs.

The Sabercats didn’t come out looking as strong as they hoped, struggling in the beginning of the game trailing Brighton 14-13 at the end of the first quarter.

In the second and third quarter, Braxton Bertolette took over. Brighton left him unguarded in the first play of the second quarter, and Bertolette hit an easy three. He hit two more the next two plays. The junior guard had 37 points on the night.

Fossil’s defense fell flat in the ladder half of the third quarter and the start of the fourth. Brighton’s dribble penetration began was killing the Sabercats, and their shots began to fall.

With four minutes left in the fourth quarter, Brighton had come back to make the score 56-54.

“We had to make changes, and once we calmed down in the fourth, the game began to become comfortable,” said Garrett Schmidt. “Sealing a play off win at home is the best way to go out. It feels nice that the last time we played on that floor we went out winners.” Schmidt rebounded incredibly well, and had 11 points.

Once Brighton began to start fouling, Fossil Ridge pulled away, hitting most of their free throws.

The Sabercats will advance to the next round of the play offs, playing at Legend High School against the Titans on Saturday.