By The TimesLedger
In a traditional battle of wills between St. Andrew’s and St. Gregory’s sixth-grade basketball teams, a classic defensive struggle began to unfold on Sunday, Nov. 18, at the St. Gregory’s gym.
At the conclusion of the first quarter, St. Andrew’s had taken a slim 5-2 lead. This is uniquely uncharacteristic for both teams, as both teams are tall and fast and have great scoring ability. However, based upon the style of play, neither team would give an inch. Rebuilding and the aggressive back-court pressing slowed the game down to a crawl.
The second quarter took on similar characteristics as the first, with neither team scoring for the first 3:30. Kerry White, on behalf of St. Andrew’s extended the lead to 7-2 and shortly thereafter, St. Gregory’s matched White’s bucket to alter the score to 7-4.
With approximately 15 seconds left and the clock ticking away, St. Andrew’s threw a full-length court pass to Matthew Galizia, who took two dribbles and put up a 12-foot bank shot, which extended St. Andrew’s lead to 9-4 at the half.
In the third quarter, some missed opportunities by St. Andrew’s allowed St. Gregory’s to scrap their way back into the contest, pulling to within 12-11 at the conclusion of the third quarter.
Individual heroics began to unfold in the fourth quarter for St. Andrew’s, as Jamal Williams knocked down a three-pointer, extending the team’s lend to 15-11.
Thereafter, John McEntee pumped right and spun left, extending St. Andrew’s lead to 17-11.
St. Gregory’s continued to fight back and once again scraped their way back to a 17-17 tie with just under two minutes left in the contest. At this point in the game, both teams were over the foul limit. St. Andrew's had committed 11 fouls and St. Gregory’s had committed nine. McEntee once again drove on the right side and was fouled going to the line with approximately 1:12 left in the game. McEntee put both in the hole, giving St. Andrew’s the lead, 19-17.
Only a few seconds later, Kerry White, in an offensive position, was fouled again and knocked down one-of-two, extending St. Andrew’s lead to 20-17.
With approximately 45 seconds left in the game, Brandon Kubic went to the line and knocked down one-of-two, making it a four-pint game. However, St. Gregory’s fought hack again and, with 25 seconds left, cut the lead to 21-19.
Coach Phil McBride called his final time out before St. Andrew’s came down the court to ultimately kill the clock and emerge victorious.
Many players contributed to the win. John McEntee (5), Kerry White (5), Jamel Wiliams (3), James Turck (2), Brandon Kubic (2), Matthew Galizia (2), James Kaso (1) and Angela Barbieri (1) all scored. Beyond the scoring, aggressive defense and rebounding contributions were supplied by Emelio Benitez, Robert Pagan, Michael Balesty and Bradley Jacques.
St. Andrew’s looks forward to its next contest this coming weekend against St. Clare’s.
