Dylan Busby dylan@silsbee-bee.com The Silsbee Bee SILSBEE — The Silsbee Tigers are searching for answers after another difficult outing, falling 83–54 at home to the West Brook Bruins on Tuesday night. The loss added to the early-season turbulence for a program adjusting to a new era under head coach Cornelius Brown, who faces the uphill task of replacing longtime coach Joe Sigler following his retirement. As the Tigers work through growing pains, they continue to lean on a program history that suggests improvement typically arrives as the season progresses. West Brook set the tone immediately, opening the game on an 8–2 run and shooting confidently from all levels of the floor. The Bruins pushed the pace and converted clean looks in transition, while Silsbee struggled to find rhythm on either end. The Tigers trailed 19–8 at the end of the first period, unable to match the Bruins’ tempo or disrupt their offensive flow. Silsbee attempted to counter with an up-tempo approach of its own, but the execution fell short. Transition opportunities often went unconverted, with missed layups and turnovers preventing the Tigers from cutting into the deficit. Defensive issues at the rim allowed West Brook to finish plays with ease, widening the margin as the Bruins turned Silsbee’s pace against them. Rather than being overwhelmed by the fast tempo, the Bruins thrived in it, often beating the Tigers down the floor for uncontested baskets. The second period proved decisive. West Brook opened with a 12-0 run, capitalizing on open lanes, corner shooting and second-chance points. The half ended with a two-handed slam that punctuated a dominant 55–20 Bruins advantage and quieted the home crowd. Silsbee opened the third quarter with a 7-0 run, offering a brief spark, but the boost faded as earlier issues resurfaced. West Brook closed the period leading 68–37 before controlling the rest of the game to secure the 83–54 win. The Tigers showed stretches of energy but were unable to sustain consistency, particularly on defense and in transition. The loss underscored the challenge ahead for Brown, who inherits a program that won four straight division titles but now seeks to reestablish its identity under new leadership. Despite the slow start, Silsbee’s history offers perspective. Over the past decade, the Tigers have repeatedly shown the ability to correct early-season struggles, peak late and compete at a high level when district play arrives. The pieces are present, but converting potential into performance remains the next step.