BRANFORD, Fla. — The Branford boys basketball team is finally starting to win some games.

While Branford’s 4-8 record heading into Winter break is hardly eye-opening, it’s a huge improvement considering that the Buccaneers won just one game all of last season.

Junior point guard Colton Leibold has been instrumental in the turnaround.

He’s confident bringing the ball up the court, and handling pressure, which has helped the Bucs take care of the ball and cut down on turnovers. Leibold is also a good passer and can take over as a scorer.

Even though it’s only his first year starting on varsity — he was moved up from JV at the end of last season — Leibold has shown he is capable of handling an important role.

“I feel like this is more my team with all the seniors graduating (last year),” said Leibold, who is averaging 10.2 points per game. “I had to step up and get it going, and get other guys in the game. I’m kind of used to that role from middle school and JV.”

Being around a familiar coach has also helped. BHS coach John Blalock has coached Leibold the past four seasons.

“I’ve always felt confident with the ball in his hands,” Blalock said. “I knew that he could attack, and score.

“We’re not going to kill people shooting the ball. We have to attack zone’s and man-to-man. He’s doing a really good job of not only scoring himself, but also setting up other guys.”

Leibold has been a solid scorer who has also shown flashes of dominance. He poured in 15 points in a district win against Dixie County on Dec. 11 and scored a career-high 17 points against Trenton in the second game of the season.

As a point guard, he also needs to know his teammates well.

Leibold has that covered.

“Evan (Dowdy) is very athletic, can score really well. I love playing with Ritchie (Glass) because he is always hustling,” said Leibold. Clay (Williams) plays good defense and is always hustling. Lekendrik (Shonk) is not afraid to get physical and he’ll get you some points.

“This group hates losing.”

With Leibold getting even more experience at the point, look for more wins from the Buccaneers in the second half of the season.