LIVE OAK, Fla. — Facing a late surge from Wakulla, Suwannee drew upon a recent experience to remain calm in the final minute of a tense game on Tuesday.   

The Bulldogs staved off a frantic WHS comeback, playing strong defense and taking care of the ball late to secure a 54-50 win at SHS. 

Josh Braun had a huge night with 14 points and 15 rebounds, but it was his only assist that proved to be the biggest play of the game. Braun found a wide-open Devan Cameron with 10 seconds left for a basket that put SHS ahead 54-50.   

Suwannee suffered a one-point defeat to Baker County on Dec. 13. The Bulldogs lost on a pair of free throws in the final seconds, but gained some valuable experience that they put to use against Wakulla. 

Suwannee played aggressive defense to hold WHS (5-3) scoreless in the final minute, forcing tough shots without fouling. 

“I think it was very reassuring to show that we can finish games like this,” Braun said. “Against Baker, we were in sort of the same situation and we dropped the game. Here, we made the adjustments and did all the right things to put us on top.”

Braun pulled down 13 rebounds in the second half and worked the high-low game to perfection with Brant Ulmer for some easy baskets.

“That second half he was amazing,” SHS coach Jeremy Ulmer said of Braun. “He was always in the right place at the right time.”

Suwannee finished strong despite playing the final three minutes of the game without starting point guard Dequan Johnson, who exited with an ankle injury. 

Johnson was electric in the first half, scoring 14 points. He picked up the slack for the Bulldogs, who shot 10 of 31 in the first two quarters. Johnson finished with 17 points, eight rebounds and four assists.

Suwannee was in control for most of the game. Even after a slow start from the field, the Bulldogs took a 27-20 lead into halftime.

Elexpe Johnson (20 points) got hot in the second half to get WHS back in the game. His 3-pointer with 1:05 remaining in the fourth quarter got the War Eagles within one point at 51-50. It was the final points they scored.

Suwannee is 4-6. The Bulldogs travel to Baker County High School on Dec. 28 for a Christmas Tournament.