Boys Varsity Basketball District Update

The Chargers turned a close game into our 9th consecutive district win! Clinging to a 42-41 halftime lead, junior Marcus B started going to the basket with a vengeance, scoring 10 of his 25 in a key 3rd quarter run. A balanced scoring attack included 25 from Marcus and 20 points from Brady G. Brady was also the key trigger man adding 8 assists. Tyee had a complete game with 13 points, 9 rebounds and 7 steals. Kent had 12 points and Devin had 2-3's. Our young guys contributed with significant roles, Colin scoring 8 and Mitchell adding 6 for another well rounded team win.

Berkeley is a 4A school about twice our enrollment and seemingly always at the top of their classification. They were coming in 15-3 and top 10 state ranking. So, this was a measuring stick for the type of team we would have to beat to win at state. For the fans in attendance, this game was quite a treat, with competitive action from tip to the final buzzer. 

We came out on fire and set our season record for 31 points in one quarter, Devin had 9 on 3-3’s, Marcus had 9 and Brady had 7 as we sprinted to a 31-23 lead after one. Berkeley was on their heels and we had Berkeley shaking their heads with the pace. Then Marcus picked up his 2^nd foul with 2 minutes still in the 1^st quarter and we pulled off the press in the second quarter to try and pack it in and neutralize their inside presence. We struggled for easy shots in the 2^nd quarter and kept settling for contested 3’s. The pace was less frenetic and their size began taking its toll on us inside.

Although we got down 48-43 at half, we were not out and came back with another strong quarter in the 3^rd. Marcus picked up where he left off, and timely 3’s from Kenny, Devin and Brady had us tied at the end of 3 at 65. The 4^th quarter was back and forth with a 4 point lead by each team and several lead changes. When Brady scored in traffic to seemingly tie the game it was called off for offensive goal tending. The breaks were not there and we ultimately fell 87-83. It was a very exciting game for the fans and the team learned that we can compete with anyone. On the night Marcus put up another 25 points, his second in 3 games. Devin had 18 on 6-3’s; Brady had 14 and played a great floor game. Tyee continues his stellar play with 10 points, 6 assists and 3 steals.

Calvary had this game penciled down since the Chargers went to their place and beat them in double OT in December, but that has been the only loss on Calvary’s district record as they come into the game 9-1 in the district, while your Chargers are 9-0. So with the final week of regular season play, this for all intents and purposes is likely for the regular season district title. And the Chargers are carrying a 2-year winning streak in district play.

 

Calvary came out strong and led by 8 in the first quarter, but Shorecrest made a strong comeback to tie at the end of  the first quarter at 18-18. 2^nd quarter was equally tight, with the Charger’s clinging to a 38-36 lead. The 2^nd half was nip and tuck the whole way with each team leading by no more than 4 points. Aundre F hit two big 3’s and a strong finish move as things were tenuous in the 3^rd. As time was winding down, Kenny hit a big 3-pointer and then Brady dropped in 2 free throws to give the Chargers a much needed cushion.

The team was very balanced and everyone contributed in the win. Brady ended the night with 23 points. Aundre had a nice break thru game with 10 points and 3 rebounds. Tyee finished with 9 points and 7 rebounds. Marcus finished with 9 points and 10 rebounds.

Coming up:
Friday, Jan 23 vs St Pete Catholic at 7:30 PM, District final game in Crisp Gym.

Saturday @ Brooks Debartola Invitational against Plant at 3:20pm.

Tuesday, January 27^th is senior night against Osceola at 7:30pm.

Thursday, January 29, Bay Conference Championship against Bradenton Christian at 6pm.