Two Bocks are better than one: Brothers team up to push Palmyra past Canton in early-season showdown

PALMYRA, Mo. — Admittedly, Bear Bock had waited for years to be on the same varsity basketball floor as his little brother.

And the reward for that patience was written all over his face Friday night.

“It’s just awesome,” the senior said, trying unsuccessfully to hold back a smile when looking at his freshman brother, Hudson Bock.

Bear Bock, an imposing 6-foot-5 figure who is equally comfortable when stationed along the baseline or running the Palmyra offense from the point, treasures finally being able to play alongside his kid brother, who has already emerged as an important element on a talented Panthers roster.

“I had been waiting for this time to come for years.” Bear Bock said.

Without question, that wait was worthwhile.

Hudson Bock, a 5-foot-10 guard, cashed in a game-best 13 points, including three 3-pointers, to trigger Palmyra’s 57-37 victory over Canton before a crowd of about 1,100. 

Hudson Bock is the only Panthers player to reach double figures in both of Palmyra’s first two games. The rookie pocketed 10 in a 72-45 season-opening win against Mark Twain earlier in the week.

“My teammates have done a great job of getting me the ball when I was open,” Hudson Bock said. “We just have to keep working.”

Palmyra coach Brian Rea had plenty of praise for the Bock brotherhood.

“Hudson shot the ball well, especially early in the game (he had 11 of his points in the first half), and Bear … well, Bear always plays well,” Rea said.

Rea said at one point before preseason practice got underway he was not certain whether Hudson Bock was ready for the varsity. It didn’t take long for the youngest Bock to change Rea’s apprehension to a firm commitment — the 15-year-old freshman was ready for the big time.

“I knew he had the basketball acumen, and he proved he was ready (physically),” Rea said. “I like the mix of veterans and youth that we have.”

Of the nine players who scored against Canton, five were underclassmen.

Palmyra blitzed Canton during the middle two quarters, outscoring the Tigers 33-10 to take control of the game. Palmyra led 31-19 at halftime and built its cushion to as much as 27 points (53-26).

Bear Bock (9), Jackson Hicks (8), Jeremiah Edwards (6) and Landen Gottman (5) backed up Hudson Bock in the scoring column.

“We’re 2-0, with two good wins,” said Bear Bock, who leads the Panthers with a 14.5 scoring average. “We’re getting better, but we’re not looking ahead.”

The loss was the first for Canton (3-1), which was led by Preston Brewer’s 11 points. Rea said he feels a major reason for the Panthers’ early success — and what’s he anticipating as the schedule unfolds — is confidence. Rea said the Panthers have worked in the offseason on their shooting, or more specifically, a stronger belief in their shooting ability.

“It’s a confidence thing,” he said. “We weren’t (good shooters) a year ago, and we have worked at it, and I think they are starting to get that mentality. We’re also executing our zone offense much better.”

Rea stressed, however, his team is far from a finished product.

“I feel we’re about right where we should be right now, but not where we will be,” he said.