Photo credits to Derrick Stamper
On Thursday night, the boys’ basketball team kept their perfect start going in a showdown against the Menlo Knights, marking the team’s best start in over 30 years. In a heated contest, the Bears came up victorious by a score of 66-52.
The game started with the Knights winning the tip, and early defensive stands by both teams. Sophomore Jacob Sutton broke the deadlock by hitting two free throws which gave M-A an early lead. When asked about the experience of starting on the varsity team as a sophomore, Sutton said, “It feels amazing, but I am just so grateful for my teammates, they come out here and help be successful so it’s really a team effort.”
A three-pointer by senior Jack Anderson put the Bears up 12-5 midway through the first quarter, however back to back triples from the Knights brought them right back to a one-point deficit.
The first quarter ended with a spinning layup from sophomore Jerry Williams to put M-A 19-17.
The second quarter was marked by an impressive defensive showing from M-A, only allowing Menlo six points during the period. The momentum began with a three-pointer from senior Ben Timm, followed by a steal and easy dunk for Anderson. Shortly after, a three-pointer from senior Justin Moore, extended the Bears lead even further, but the highlight of the game was Moore’s incredible, high-flying, dunk over a Knights defender, which put M-A up 35-23 as the half came to a close.
The final act of the second quarter was an impressive swooping layup by Sutton, making the score 39-23 in favor of the Bears.
The Knights desperately tried to mount a comeback, only allowing M-A to score two points in the third quarter. Multiple turnovers and a Menlo three-pointer left the score at 51-36 with M-A leading going into the fourth quarter.
The start of the fourth quarter was all about Anderson and junior Trevor Cadigan. Two layups and two three-pointers from Cadigan reignited the Bears’ offense, and extended their lead to nearly 20 points. Anderson on the other hand added four more points to his total of 26 on the night with two jump shots, bringing the lead to 65-49.
Late in the game, Anderson was alone for an open dunk, but a very hard foul from a Knights’ defender left the M-A players and fans outraged. Chaos ensued as many students tried to get onto the court to have a word with Menlo players, and Moore along with other M-A players looked to do the same. In the end, three technical fouls were issued, two on M-A, and one on Menlo. Luckily, Anderson was able to get up and walk it off. After the game, Anderson said, “I thought the foul was dirty, but I have to control my emotions better in that moment, besides that I am just happy to get the win.”
As both teams calmed down, the last few minutes on the clock ran out, and the final score read 66-52 as the final buzzer sounded.
Regarding how to continue the team’s 8-0 start, Cadigan said, “I think the key is mostly keeping high pressure on defense and high energy every game. Also, we just have to keep swinging the ball, shooting threes, and getting buckets, that’s all there is to it.”
The team will participate in a tournament over winter break and look to keep their historic run going, facing the Analy Tigers first on December 28 at 3 pm.
