Blazers beat Titans

DEC 8, NELSON H. KOBREN MEMORIAL GYMNASIUM –

Boys' JV basketball started out the season strong with a 23 points win against Einstein. With a strong offense and good ball handling, Blair pulled away from Einstein in the last three quarters.

The first quarter was evenly matched, ending with a score of 11-11. As soon as the second quarter started though, Blair moved into a strong lead that they kept, and widened, throughout the game. Blair first got ahead by consistently taking the ball right up to the net and taking short, dependable shots.

Sophomore captains Tommy Dugan and Nicholas Warmington led the team to victory with many steals and points. "We ran the floor well and had many fast breaks," said Dugan. "Our offence was great but we really need to work on our defense," said Coach Richard Porac.

One obstacle for both teams today were the referees. "The refs called a lot of fouls [seven for Blair and 10 for Einstein in the first half alone], which confused the team a little, but we adapted and there were much less in the second half [four for both teams]," said Porac.

Within minutes of starting the game there was a humorous, for the spectators, and frustrating, for the players, instance where the ball was lost and won many times. First, Blair passes the ball in, brings it down court and shoots. Einstein gets the rebound. Blair then steals the ball and passes it, hitting a teammates shoe, giving Einstein the ball. Einstein shoots, Blair gets the rebound. Blair shoots, Einstein gets the rebound. Then a Blair team member gets fouled and, with possession of the ball, ends the play with a quick two pointer. This whole event did not last more than two minutes.

"This is the coache's first win," said Warmington, while Sophomore Matt Mcclain chuckles in the background. This is Porac's first year coaching and today's game makes his career record 1-0-0.

"We felt really good about this game, I guess the snow just delayed the inevitable," said Dugan.

JV basketball goes to B-CC on Dec 9 at 5:15.