Braves miss shot at Spokane hoops bracket

Despite a 10 a.m. tipoff, the clock struck midnight on the Cinderella La Conner Braves in Auburn Saturday.

The No. 10 Chief Leschi Warriors clinched a berth at the Spokane Arena this week by defeating 15th seeded La Conner 68-41 in a loser-out state regional matchup.

The Braves, who had upset bi-district favorites Auburn Adventist and Coupeville the week before, fell to a talented Chief Leschi team that controlled tempo throughout with a stifling full-court press, crisp transition game and superb three-point shooting.

Much of the damage was done by Warriors guard Brandon Brown, who had 18 poin...