Week #20 - Big Second Half Performances for MS Hoopers on the Road!

MS Girls Basketball - With 6:00 to go in the contest, the score was tied at 18. Zoey made a beautiful inbounds pass to Sam, who spotted Zuri posting up on the block. Zuri turned, used the backboard, and gave Tandem the lead. On the ensuing possession, Peabody tried to work the ball into the paint. Sam deflected the pass, got the ball and got the ball ahead to Hadley who dribbled to the right wing. Zuri was posting up again. When Zuri got the ball, she turned and faked a shot. With the defender in the air, Zuri stepped through and scored another lay up. 
Now ahead by four, with only 4:00 remaining, Zoey's intense ball pressure forced a Peabody turnover. Next time down, Sam found Zuri - again - who put the game away with her third consecutive basket. She finished with a double double - ten points and thirteen rebounds, her highest scoring game of the season.  
 
Peabody never scored again, as the Badgers outscored them 10-0 in the final period. The defensive pressure started at the top of the key, where Cypress didn't allow any space for her opponent. It extended into the paint, where Cora had the block heard round the world! 
 
The Badgers got off to a strong start this afternoon. Sam was efficient offensively, and Tandem had perfect execution on triangle, our half court offense. Sam scored four quick points - cutting to the basket - assisted by Zoey. Hadley was patient as well, scoring in both half court and transition. That level of execution continued throughout the game - Hattie was always open, and she protected the ball in the triple threat position. 
 
For the second game in a row, Raquel scored a key jumper for our team. She also played the point guard position in the fourth quarter, and did a fine job setting up Sunrise, who continues to improve. The Badgers scored 20 points in the second half and won our third consecutive game, 28-18. I am so proud of our rapidly improving squad! The team returns to game action on Thursday, January 22 at Grymes at 4:15.
 
MS Boys Basketball - After scoring eight points in the first half, the Middle School Boys exploded in the second, nearly quadrupling their output with thirty one points! Isaiah was amazing throughout - scoring five of his seven in the final period. He did it all today - getting his defender in the air with a pump fake, hitting mid-range jumpers and scoring with strong off ball cuts. Additionally, Isaiah was a rebounding fiend, constantly coming away with the ball off the glass.
 
Jayceon had 7 of 13 in the final stanza, setting the tone for a hard-working team who never quits. Showing off his versatility, he took the ball coast to coast, changing speeds and earning trips to the line. On other possessions, he set up in the post, turning to the rim and scoring with ease. 
 
Trenton was also cooking in the fourth. He knocked in eight of his fourteen, including two threes. Additionally, he provided an outlet for Kai, who found Trenton cutting to the rim and scored from the middle of the paint. Kai added a three of his own in the final period, finishing with eight.
 
"Will plays big," Sam remarked as she watched him snatch a rebound among the trees. Will got a quick outlet pass out to Landon, who extended the defense with an outside shot. Ryan was smooth as a passer today - assisting aforementioned Isaiah - and Hatcher had several second half rebounds. Gabriel was also strong on the glass!
 
Bo's defense in the fourth was critical, as he dominated the elbow area. Behind him, Aven was locking down the block. Odin, continuing to improve his rebounding, ended possessions for the opposition. The Badgers scored 31 of their 39 in the second half, outscoring Peabody 39-17 in the final twelve minutes! What an incredible comeback effort for Tandem!
 
The Middle School Boys return to action at Grymes on Thursday, January 22 at 5:15.  Hope to see you there!
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Tandem Friends School is a co-ed Quaker day school for grades 5-12 in Charlottesville, Virginia.
 
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