After a disappointing first half, the JV boys basketball team ricocheted back and managed to achieve a one point victory over McLean on Friday in the last minute of the game.
Having previously demolishing McLean 52-35 during the first home game of the season, the Seahawks looked for an easy win. As the first quarter ended however, it was clear that victory would be far from simple to attain.
Throughout the first and second quarters, McLean managed to take repossession of the ball on multiple occasions, leaving South Lakes trailing 14-10. The Seahawks also displayed a weak defense and blew several scoring opportunities as pointed out by score keeper Brent Sullivan at halftime.
“We’re playing poorly defensively,” said Sullivan. “The team should move more on offensive and keep their heads up defensively.”
Junior center Derek Phillips believed the stumble in the first half was due to over confidence.
“We were trying to be open-minded because we knew they had improved, but we beat them significantly the first time and that would obviously get to us,” said Phillips. “We didn’t take them completely seriously but I think we were trying to.”
Assistant coach Evan Millar also believed the team’s recent victories against Madison and Westfield contributed to the team’s attitude going into Friday’s game.
“We had two big wins over some really tough opponents (in) the last two games,” said Millar. “I’m sure in their mind they were thinking that it was going to be a little easier.”
After the first half however, the Seahawks played differently. Down 25-21 at halftime, JV managed to harness the lead 36-34 at the end of the third quarter.
The game swung precariously in the favor of each team multiple times throughout the fourth quarter. With forty seconds left to go, South Lakes scored and secured their victory 48-47.
“Our team pulled it together in the second half, played defense, rebounded, and that’s all it takes,” said junior forward Joseph Kidane immediately after the game.
The team’s top scorer during the game was sophomore guard Zach Pearl who scored fifteen points including five free throws. Fellow sophomore guard Grant Chustz scored 11 points.
In the end the entire game could be summarized by head coach Shannon Byrnes.
“Second half. Defense. They listened, they worked hard, they didn’t give up, they played through adversity,” said Byrnes. “They stuck it out and they finished at the end. They let me down in the first half. They bounced back in the second half. We got the W, that’s three in a row, we got to keep it rolling.”
The team’s next game will be held at home against Langley tonight.
