By: BHS Sports Staff
February 29, 2024
On Tuesday, the boys basketball team played their sectional semi-final game against conference rival, the Independence Blue Devils.
The Hurricanes tallied a record of 14-8, while the visiting Blue Devils came in with a sub .500 record of 10-12. The stakes were high in this matchup as the winner would move onto the sectional final tomorrow to play Wellington, and the loser would go home.
Right out the gate, the Blue Devils knocked down two three-pointers, and senior Jaiden Ramos picked up two early fouls. However, the Hurricanes were able to bounce back with great plays on both ends of the floor, hitting timely shots and locking down defensively. The hosts led by as many as seven points, but the Blue Devils were able to cut their deficit to five. After one quarter, the Canes led 17-12.
The energy in the building was unmatched with both student sections being loud and cheering on their teams. Simply, it was a great atmosphere with 24 minutes still to go.
In the second quarter, Brooklyn jumped out to a 7-2 run, but Independence answered back with a 7-0 run of their own. The rest of the quarter was back-and-forth, and the Blue Devils were able to tie up the score late in the half. But, it was the Hurricanes who went into the break with the lead, 30-28.
With two quarters left to play, which team would make the better adjustments and come through when it mattered most?
In the third quarter, the Hurricanes were able to keep a slight lead, but the Blue Devils would not go down easy. After Independence knocked down two consecutive threes, senior Anthony Pytel nailed a huge And-1 play to really get the home crowd going. And in games of this magnitude, things did get chippy. Late in the third, freshman Muhammad Manigat and Independence’s Noah Terrano got into a scuffle, leading to a double technical being called. After the scene settled down, Brooklyn held a three-point lead through three quarters with Pytel leading the way with 13, followed by Ramos with 10.
One quarter to play with the season on the line!
In the final quarter, the Hurricanes came out hot, knocking down three straight triples, forcing Independence to call a timeout. This really got the home crowd going as they led 54-47 with four minutes to go.
However, the momentum was beginning to shift in favor of the Blue Devils. The Hurricanes could not grab a rebound on the defensive side, giving Independence multiple shots. They also could not convert on the offensive side of the floor. In just two minutes, Independence erased the Hurricanes’ lead and took a lead of their own, 57-56. This would be their first lead since 6-2 early in the first quarter.
The Blue Devils continued to play mistake-free basketball through the final two minutes, holding the Hurricanes down. They also made their clutch free throws to seal the comeback victory.
Final Score: Independence 61, Brooklyn 56
The loss marks the end of the boys basketball season, as they finished 14-9. It was a rollercoaster of a season for the Canes, but they had a really good season overall, capped off with numerous big-time wins.
Nice job, boys!
In other sports news, good luck to sophomore Adam Cowper as he travels to Columbus tomorrow for the state bowling tournament.
Stay tuned for a Winter Sports Recap and a Spring Sports Preview.
Go Canes!
{For up-to-date events and schedules, visit Brooklyn Hurricanes Athletics.}
THE RETURN OF THE EYE 