When Bam Brima joined Loyalsock’s basketball team, he was already behind after a highly successful season on the gridiron.

Brima was described by most coaches and fans as raw, but once polished could be a key part of the team. Brima might have exceeded expectations in how fast he has found his spot within the team.

Recently, as Loyalsock took on Danville in a key league game, Brima had his best game of the season. Brima was all over the court, grabbing rebounds, connecting on put back opportunities, and even intercepting a pass near mid court.
“It’s a luxury to have a little height advantage,” Loyalsock coach Ron “CI” Insinger said. “Bam is just learning the game, but he’s been really important for us.”

Brima was all over the court against Danville. He finished with nine points, seven rebounds, and a block. Although the game didn’t go the way of the Lancer, it was a breakout moment for Brima.

At the beginning of the fourth quarter, Brima stopped a pass headed underneath the basket. He quickly got the ball up court to a teammate for a basket and 44-38 Loyalsock lead. The block came against Danville’s hottest scorer at that moment and gave the Lancers some defensive energy which they used to limit Danville to eight points in the quarter. Brima finished the quarter with two rebounds and two points. He also made a huge impact defensively as Loyalsock forced five turnovers.

“I just told myself to start things on defense, and it led to some good things for us,” Brima said. “I’m starting to get my stride back. It’s always a little rusty after football season.”

Brima was on from the beginning of the game, scoring four points over the first eight minutes. He was able to spell Hunter Webb early after he picked up two fouls. Brima continued to produce in the second quarter. He connected with another basket and pulled down two more rebounds. He added two more rebounds in the third and another two in the fourth.

“My legs feel good, and the chemistry is good,” Brima said. “I feel like right now the sky is the limit.”

Brima has been important in more ways than points and rebounds. He has been invaluable helping spell Webb throughout the season. In the early portions of the year, Webb missed a game and Brima got his first chance to start for the Lancers. His impact was felt throughout the game. He didn’t score, but he showed the potential that had so many people calling him raw as he attempted to find his spot on the team.

His journey to becoming one of Loyalsock’s go-to players was difficult at the start. Fresh off football season, Brima struggled offensively. His confidence appeared to be shaky, but that started to change when Loyalsock headed to Mifflinburg for their fifth game.

Against the Wildcats, Brima finished with four points and finished with ten rebounds in a game the Lancers were without Webb, who has been one of their biggest rebounders throughout his time. Brima opened with his best quarter of the season up to that point, scoring two points and grabbing three boards.

“I felt like I’m not that good of a scorer and my talents are more on the defensive side of the ball,” Brima said. “It’s really whatever the team needs.”

If Brima continues to build off the Danville game he might end up being a scorer for Loyalsock. He nearly posted his first double-digit game of the season.

He followed that up with two more rebounds and another two points in the second quarter. The game against the Wildcats resulted in a win for the Lancers. It also showed what type of player Brima could be when given the right opportunity.

“He stepped up there and played some quality minutes for us,” Insinger said. “I can’t say enough about Bam.”

In his following game, he opened with seven rebounds in the first quarter as Loyalsock started the game with a 26-point effort. Brima has been more than impactful for the Lancers. He’s worked his way into the lineup and has become a mainstay for them. His effort, skill, and smarts have helped him throughout the season and will continue to help push him through to higher levels.