A really tough game for the boys today, on the road for the second week, against a very determined Blue Devils team who pushed us all the way.
After a slow start where we lost the first quarter by one point only scoring 10 points in the process but this was the wake up call we needed at this early tip off game.We then regrouped and had a much better second quarter winning that by 8 points. Some highlights of the first half was a Zak lay up off the end line out of bounds play and some good transition baskets when we could get out and run. Concentration and energy levels were wavering at times which lead to turnovers and mistakes but the boys hung together and along with stern words from the coaches we kept our noses in front. All players saw court time and with Freddie down injured and Oliver in foul trouble the play of the whole squad was put under scrutiny.
After a slow start where we lost the first quarter by one point only scoring 10 points in the process but this was the wake up call we needed at this early tip off game.We then regrouped and had a much better second quarter winning that by 8 points. Some highlights of the first half was a Zak lay up off the end line out of bounds play and some good transition baskets when we could get out and run. Concentration and energy levels were wavering at times which lead to turnovers and mistakes but the boys hung together and along with stern words from the coaches we kept our noses in front. All players saw court time and with Freddie down injured and Oliver in foul trouble the play of the whole squad was put under scrutiny.
The third quarter again was a struggle at times where we just couldn’t quite get it together and lost this by one point. We were getting lots of rebounds on the offensive end but just couldn’t quite put the ball in the hoop.
Leading by 4 points we headed into the final quarter and during this ten minutes of play we went on a run which took us 13 points clear. This run was created by tougher defence from the boys helping each other better and resulting in some blocked shots and limiting Braintree to only one shot per offence for a period of time and being able to run lay ups in and slowly take control of the game. Braintree were not finished yet and came at us again with a 3 point shot and a steal and score off one of our defensive rebounds. After a time out we saw the remainder of the game out for victory.
A highlight of the second half was a sideline out of bounds play right in front of the parents with Dante inbounding to Freddie and receiving a bounce pass back to score with a wide open lay up as he cut hard to the basket. Also as in the first half we had to deal with injury with Haroon getting a knock.
Congratulations to the boys today on their hard earned victory. Every game this season is going to be a test for all of us and we must be ready to step up individually and as a team. Concentration and decision making as we saw today is going to be key for the boys and out and out hustle in order to outwork every team we play.
Parents, thanks so much for your support again today your input is invaluable for the team.
Parents, thanks so much for your support again today your input is invaluable for the team.
Written By:- Coach Graham
