We started the game with Zach stepping in for Richard who was unavailable and we matched the Fire who implemented a full court press straight away. After a few initial problems we worked out how to break it by passing over the top which lead to some lay ups most noticeably by Max Jegorovs who had his best game of the season so far.
As the game heated up we put on a full court press of our own which gave us some steals and deflections and basket opportunities. Well done to all the boys making that defence work for us.
With Donte getting in foul trouble in the first half Danila Saul and Zach all contributed good minutes getting rebounds, making shots and good passes.
Also with Richard unavailable Ethan, Harri, Pani, Haroon along with Max mentioned earlier had some excellent minutes too contributing to this team effort.
We were causing the fire players to travel as they caught the ball as our boys closed out on them staying between the Fire players and the basket. Well done team!!
A strong third quarter which we won 18-16 with Pani really standing out with good defence and distribution of the ball set up an exciting and enthralling final quarter.
Donte also had a very disciplined second half playing the second half with three fouls and not picking up another.
The boys dealt with adversity having to coming back from 7 point and 11 point deficits and taking the lead ourselves. We had a lot of good chances to extend our own lead but the ball at times rolled around the hoop and the basketball gods said no and the ball did not drop.
So with time running down in the fourth we were seven points behind again but when Freddie hit a three and Oliver having been fouled taking a three pointer and hit the first two of the three free throws with 1.4 seconds on the clock we were two down. Oliver missed the third free throw and we couldn’t quite get the rebound to have one final shot to tie the game.
Overall a performance that showed good teamwork, some individual skill, resilience and never say die attitude. These traits we need to keep with us for the remainder of the time we our a team.
I am very proud of this team and as I told them time and time again during the game I trust you, go out there and trust yourselves.
There’s a lot more to come from this team and I look forward to Tuesday practise and our first home game next Sunday at the Hawks Leisurezone.
Parents please invite family and friends and let’s get the leisure zone rocking on Sunday come 2.15pm tip off time.
