Junior High Boys A-Team Downs East Forest (02/18/14)

(By Coach Jesse Quinn)

Our week ended with a convincing win over the East Forest Bears 59-18, on Friday. Sometimes these games can present a bit of a challenge to a young team. The question is how to balance keeping a tough and competitive edge while at the same time keeping a respectful, sportsman-like tone and not let the score get out of hand. Winning the game was never in question. Our boys handled themselves very well in a lop-sided win.

Three boys scored in double digits for us. Christian Smith paced all scorers with 17 points, which included 3-3 point shots. Zach Bauer and Jimmy Smith each added 10 points apiece.  Zach hit 2-3’s of his own. The two Cams, Craig and Hearst each had 6 points and Nick Cherico dropped in 5 respectfully.

Even though scoring points is often the topic of a game, our defense was the focus for the Bobcats tonight. Many layups were made on account of a steal, a quick pass and ending with a layup on the other end. The boys were able to put in several points this way, scoring 14 first quarter points and 21 second quarter points.

The second half went by quickly as the mercy rule was in play, which means the clock runs almost without stopping.

It is nice as a coach to tell the kids, “No more fast break layups.” And have them know and understand exactly why that was said. The points would be scored and we needed to work on a half-court offense and work the ball for an open shot.

Almost all of the boys scored in the contest. Victor Stahlman, although he didn’t score any points for us, did a nice job on the boards and was able to dive on the floor and fight for each possession we had. That is the effort we need and get from all our boys.

Our next contest will be on Monday, February 17th when we travel to North Clarion to take on the Wolves.

(Thanks to Coach Quinn for this article.)