By: Lexi Jenkins, Ariana Rojak, and Serena Barile
December 10, 2019
The Brooklyn Hurricanes boys varsity basketball team faced off against the Richmond Heights Spartans last night.
The starting five were Tristan Peggs, Jamiar Tate, Tyler Elzholz, Jaiden Basinger, and Areon Cowling.
It is important to note that the Spartans were in the state final four last year, and they are predicted to go back this year, too.
Our boys went into the game with a current record of 0-2, while the Spartans entered at 1-2.
Elzholz faced the tip-off, but the Spartans got to the ball first and sprinted down the court; however, Jaiden Basinger intercepted the ball and scored Brooklyn’s first basket of the night.
The lead was shortly lived though as the first quarter ended 31-4 in favor of the Spartans.
Between quarters, Coach Karl’s young team appeared to need the motivation to push harder and to get their heads back into the game.
At the beginning of the second quarter, Stephen Chhan took a hard fall (and ended up being benched for a little while) after he collided with a player from the Spartans.
The tension thickened when Jaiden Basinger and a member of the Spartans collided and began shoving each other, needing to be separated by the referees.
The first half ended with a score of 65-10. The Brooklyn Hurricanes were evidently worried, but they continued to push forward despite their first half woes.
The third quarter was just as suspenseful for the players as it was for the audience and the coaches. Within only minutes, Maceo Pytel was hit in the mouth with the ball and was left with a bloody mouth for the remainder of the game. This went uncalled by the referees, much to the chagrin of the audience and coaches.
After three quarters, Richmond Heights led 101-20.
The fourth quarter began, and our boys were not very hopeful; many were down in spirits, but after another time out, they talked with their coaches, and the boys returned with their heads held high, and determination was evident in their faces.
The final score was 121-32 in favor of the Spartans.
Freshman Jaiden Basinger said, “I was pretty confident [in my teammates]. I thought we could shock the world, but some people were playing scared which hurt us overall. I can’t be mad; they were just a really good team.”
Freshman Calvin Gore added, “[Our team can improve by) boxing out and playing more physical.”
Their next game will be on Friday, December 13, at Grand Valley High School. Tip-off is at 7:00 p.m.
THE RETURN OF THE EYE 