Coach's Comments
In an intense ballgame that went down to the wire, our guys found a way to win a game that could have easily gone the other way. First, credit to Ridgway for playing with toughness and sticking to their unusual style that has them annually as one of the top teams, and this year was no exception with a record of 26 - 1. We were on defense for long periods of time playing their ball control offense. At times we stayed patient and forced turnovers, and at times we became restless, became too aggressive and they found lanes for back door cuts which also resulted in missed box outs because we were out of position and offensive put backs.
We also had two starters in foul trouble, Isiah and Jett, for much of the game. The game was beautifully officiated. Despite all of that, Isaiah Smith began the fourth quarter with several impressive drives on his way to a game high 14 points. We had 7 steals against an excellent ballhandling team as Nate and Isaiah each had two. Jett and Dave each knocked down 2 three pointers as we shot a season low 15 three pointers. Will had 4 rebounds and 1 steal.
The biggest play of the game came with Ridgway holding the ball at the four minute mark with the game tied at 39. At the 2:08 mark a Ridgway player broke for the basket on a back door cut, and Nate saw it and moved perfectly in place to take the charge! At a time out we decided to hold for either a lay up, free throw or the last shot of the game with our five talented ballhandlers and shooters. Around a minute Ridgway fouled Isiah who made the first and missed the second free throw. On the ensuing offensive possession the two Isiah's combined to force a tipped pass which Isiah grabbed and we called time out. Ridgway had to foul Dave and Isiah on the next two possessions and they were ice in knocking down four straight free throws. We played great defense on the last play and forced a lengthy three point shot which was not close.
Credit to our guys for their mental toughness. Although we were frustrated at times during the game, we made the plays down the stretch to allow us to "survive and advance."
Go Panthers!
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We also had two starters in foul trouble, Isiah and Jett, for much of the game. The game was beautifully officiated. Despite all of that, Isaiah Smith began the fourth quarter with several impressive drives on his way to a game high 14 points. We had 7 steals against an excellent ballhandling team as Nate and Isaiah each had two. Jett and Dave each knocked down 2 three pointers as we shot a season low 15 three pointers. Will had 4 rebounds and 1 steal.
The biggest play of the game came with Ridgway holding the ball at the four minute mark with the game tied at 39. At the 2:08 mark a Ridgway player broke for the basket on a back door cut, and Nate saw it and moved perfectly in place to take the charge! At a time out we decided to hold for either a lay up, free throw or the last shot of the game with our five talented ballhandlers and shooters. Around a minute Ridgway fouled Isiah who made the first and missed the second free throw. On the ensuing offensive possession the two Isiah's combined to force a tipped pass which Isiah grabbed and we called time out. Ridgway had to foul Dave and Isiah on the next two possessions and they were ice in knocking down four straight free throws. We played great defense on the last play and forced a lengthy three point shot which was not close.
Credit to our guys for their mental toughness. Although we were frustrated at times during the game, we made the plays down the stretch to allow us to "survive and advance."
Go Panthers!
