Week #20 - Exciting Double Header: MS Basketball Is Back in the Den!

MS Girls Basketball
 
It has been exactly thirty three days since our lengthy post game conversation at CCS.   Bruised and battered, Zuri sat in the middle of our circle with ice on her thumb and shoulder, while we reflected on our execution - defensively, on our baseline out of bounds plays, and in our half court offense.  The team was frustrated - we had trailed by just one point at the end of the first quarter, despite the fact that both Sam and Hadley were saddled with foul trouble.  The deficit was only four points at halftime, and over the course of the game our team scored what was, at the time, our largest offensive output of the season (17 points.) Still, we lost by 7.
 
In the days since, this squad has put in an enormous amount of work, pushing one another each day in practice. So it was no surprise to me that our full court press looked rather different today.  CCS quite literally had no space to operate - Sam stole the ball on their first four possessions.  Hattie, just like in practice on Friday, forced the ball to the left side - and the turnovers just kept coming. The Badgers converted those steals into six quick points, forcing a CCS timeout.   
CCS took the ball out on the sideline halfway through the first quarter. Zoey angled her body to force the ball into the corner.  Time and time again, with Zoey at the head of the press, the Badgers came up with deflections, steals and lay ups. We gave up only four points the entire first half.  
 
On the rare occasion that CCS was able to attempt a shot, our front-court duo of Zuri or Cora would claim the rebound, Zuri earning thirteen boards this afternoon, while Cora had five!  Cora played her best of the season - well positioned defensively and snatching rebounds out of the sky. At halftime, for the second consecutive game, we switched to a box and one defense. Sam took on the most challenging assignment: make it impossible for the opposing point guard to get the ball.
 
CCS's #1 stood out in the first half, scoring four points. For the final twelve minutes of the game, she almost never had the ball because Sam was face guarding her with ferocity. This forced other players to try to bring the ball up the court, and Tandem took advantage, to the tune of several lay ups.
 
On the other end, CCS began a press of their own - and Tandem was up to the task.  Hadley was calm and under control as she weaved through the pressure and got the Badgers into our offensive set.  She found Zoey cutting to the rim, who earned two trips to the foul line today in a game where almost no fouls were called.  Zoey was fabulous at the line, giving the Badgers three key points, and extending our lead.  Her poise and leadership has been critical for our team!
 
Zoey had the ball out of bounds on the baseline. CCS deflected the ball out of bounds four times in a row.  Zoey, looking for a different ball handling option found Zuri "always open" Westbrook, who claimed her space - and took the ball down the middle for a key basket.  Whether it was Sam, Hadley or Zuri in the middle, Tandem beat the press every single time.
 
The Badgers held our opponent to just one point in the third quarter. It was during that stretch where Hadley simply took over.  She took the ball to the rim - and instead of jumping off two feet - she exploded off her inside leg.  She spent so much time in the paint that she decided to bring her desk and binder with her, and study for her upcoming math test. This resulted in seven of her thirteen points in the final period, including an incredible lay up at full speed - she drew the contact, and made the free throw at the line!  Like poetry in motion!
 
On Friday, Hadley was put in a similar situation in practice. When she didn't get the result she wanted at the line, she stayed after to continue working on her shooting.  Her hard has work paid off - the proof is in the pudding!  CCS scored four late points, and to flip the momentum, Hadley found Raquel for a beautiful fifteen foot jump shot!  Raquel held her follow through as the ball traveled through the hoop!
 
Today's post game huddle felt rather different than the one on the road thirty three days ago.  After all, there is a lot to be proud of! These Badgers flipped the script, winning 23-9.  We scored six more points than at CCS AND held CCS to FIFTEEN fewer points than back in January!  When it was time for the players to share their reflections, they pointed out that Sunrise was everywhere - well positioned and strong - and she earned a number of key rebounds and loose balls!
 
As a coach, I am so proud of the way these players have approached each practice with focus and intentionality- and I am so very proud to be part of this team!  What an incredible performance, putting it all together for a big win! The Badgers return to game action on Thursday at 4pm versus Peabody on the road.
 
MS Boys Basketball
 
If you blinked, you missed it.  Kai swung the ball to Ryan - and he did not hesitate.  Ryan hit a three, and it touched only the net.  On the next possession, Will found Ryan in the same spot - the right wing - and just like butter, his three pointer was smooth as could be.  How hot was Ryan?  Well, he scored again on the next possession, giving him a season high eight points.
 
The Badgers trailed 13-6 early, but this team knows how to go on a scoring run.  Trenton got to the basket for a lay up, Jayceon (ten points) attacked out of the high post, and all of the sudden the game was tied.  After strong ball pressure from Aven and Landon, Elias would end CCS possessions - collecting rebounds and throwing quick outlet passes to Tandem guards.
 
For the second time in as many games against CCS, the Badgers had a battle on their hands. The team trailed by just one basket at halftime, and continued to fight in the second. Kai worked as a distributor, setting up his teammates for a five out motion offense.  
 
Odin was everywhere on the glass, boxing out taller players from the opposition.  Isaiah, who led the team in rebounds for the second consecutive game, also earned a trip to the foul line, getting on the board.  Assisted by Bo, Trenton added a big three in the fourth.  Hatcher and Aven worked the elbows, while Gabriel defended the middle.  Making adjustments to their offense, Tandem scored nine points in the fourth, holding CCS to just two!
 
The Middle School Boys Badgers return to game action on Thursday at 5pm at Peabody. 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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