Exciting Boys Basketball Double Header at Miller

The Badgers took advantage of their size today. With beautiful entry passes from Jace and Levi, Mason used a beautiful up and under move to get to the basket. He finished with 18 points - earning position on the low block - spinning off the defender, while also being an outlet against the press.  

 

The Badgers led by double digits at half time, and a lot of that was due to their defense. Asher, who is in incredible shape following cross country season, made it very difficult for Miller to execute their offense - or even to cross half court. Levie was in an excellent defensive stance as he guarded opposing big men - limiting their opportunities in the post.

 

In the fourth, Tandem led by 5 when Mason earned a trip to the line. On the ensuing Miller possession, Derion had the Miller point guard rattled - and once he was trapped the in the corner, he threw a rainbow pass back to the middle. Mason picked it off - scored - and the team led by 7.  

 

King was great throughout the game, and particularly down the stretch. He was calm against the press, made excellent entry passes into the post, and got to the rim with his left hand! King finished with 9, and his contributions down the stretch were huge!

 

While Miller was able to cut the lead to six points with two minutes to go, Jace and King worked together to break the press, eventually finding Mason on the block who put the game away.  

 

Congratulations to our JV Boys and Coach George! The team has been working incredibly hard - and they opened their season with a big win 52-44!  The JV Badgers return to the floor at home - next Wednesday, 12/10 at 5:30 vs Monticello!

 

Completely fearless, the Varsity Boys Basketball team will play anybody, anywhere, anytime. Often times that means traveling (teams are scared to come to the Badger Den!). Tonight was a part of their challenging schedule - taking on the two-time defending state champions on the road - and Tandem was up to the task.  

 

The Badgers scored first, with Sean showing his versatility on the block. Next time down the floor, Sean got double teamed, and found Keeman streaking to the rim. Keeman earned a trip to the line. To make this match up extra challenging, the Badgers were without their starting point guard this evening, and Keeman truly delivered in his first start as a Tandem Badger. Scoring eight points, he provided an outlet for his teammates and an ability to get to the rim offensively. Defensively, he did a great job shutting down Miller's big men.

 

Sean kept Tandem in the lead with a smooth fade away jumper in the paint. The game was fast-paced early, lots of tight defense, and Tandem did not shy away. We went man to man - for 32 minutes - against a talented athletic team. While the first nine three pointers did not drop for either team, Quis broke the seal with two key threes in the first quarter, and Tandem led by 5 after 1, 13-8.

 

While Miller's student section was enthusiastic, our Girls Varsity Basketball and Volleyball teams, along with lots of alumni and families, brought great energy against this cross-town rival - a student section that was surprised to see how good our Varsity Boys are this season!

 

In the second period, Isaac hit a three and followed it up with a nasty chase down block on the other end.  Miller went on a run to tie the game at 16, but Quis broke their momentum, attacking the rim and earning a trip to the line. The Badgers trailed 29-22 at the half - just a seven point game!

 

In the second half, Quis was incredible in transition. He went on a 6-0 run all by himself, drawing fouls as he attacked the rim. Isaac continued to be a menace defensively, chasing down his opponent for another crushing block, and Tre took advantage on the other end - slashing and scoring at the rim.

 

The Badgers saw Miles attack the rim and get to the line in the fourth quarter, Mason and Derion provide some solid minutes, and Isaac throw one down as time expired. Led by Quis with 18, Isaac with 13 and Sean with 10, Tandem played an excellent game against a tough opponent on the road - and did so without Sin - a key leader, scorer and ball handler.

 

The Badgers return to the floor next Wednesday, December 10 at St Michael's for a rematch at 5:30pm.  Then, on Friday, they take on RMA at 7:00 at Tandem for their first conference game of the season.  Don't miss it!