Blair drops 12th straight against Rockville

NELSON H. KOBREN GYMNASIUM, Feb. 8 -

Coming off an impressive effort against Sherwood, the Blazers (3-16) looked to continue their improved play against Rockville (6-12). Yet poor execution and a lack of energy doomed the Blazers as they fell into a state of confusion and frustration, losing the game by a score of 64-55.

After a pitiful first half in which the Blazers played lackadaisical defense, turned the ball over and failed to rebound, the team started to put some things together. With a couple good passes and hustle, it looked as if the Blazers would muster up some energy and stay in the game. However, it became apparent that there was something missing, as Blair gave up countless second chance points and squandered many easy opportunities.

One night after Scott Bolen shredded their defense for 30 points, the Blazers knew they would have to stop Rockville's DeAndre Kelly if they wanted to win the game. Yet for the entire 32 minutes, the Blazers allowed him to have his way, engulfing rebounds and knocking down shots for an impressive 32 points. Head coach Mark DeStefano broke down what the Blazers need to do in those situations. "We have to do a better job recognizing who their offense revolves around and keying in on that person," he said.

As they started the fourth quarter, the Blazers suddenly jumped to life, showing the intensity and purpose that they had shown in the Rockville game. With a new rotation featuring rarely used guards, the Blazers looked to speed up the tempo and get into a fast transition offense.

Led by junior Tucker Canary, 13 points, the Blazers were able to spread the floor and get good passes, setting up players like senior Charles Ruffin, 13 points, for good opportunities. Yet it was the inspirational play by junior Rick Narcisse, who had two crowd-raising rejections, that got Blair back into the game.

With a little under four minutes to play, the Blazers' tough defense and offensive rhythm had cut Rockville's lead to 53-48. With the momentum, it appeared as if the Blazers would cut the lead to a one-possession game, but on the ensuing possession they turned the ball over and never got close again. Canary felt that their inability to close out the game was a result of their lack of energy. "We just didn't have that much intensity and couldn't really keep up the energy we needed. We weren't able to push the transition as much as we wanted," he said.

As the players filed out of the gym, DeStefano shook his head as he tried to explain the game, and season. "We're 3-16 - if we start pointing fingers about why our season's the way it is, it's got to come back to me. What we're doing isn't working. I don't know what we're going to do, but we've got to change," he said.

Boys' varsity basketball will play their next home game on Friday, Feb. 11 against B-CC at 7 p.m.