Bengal Basketball Finishes Season 9-5
The Bengal basketball team was involved in an exciting contest against Sidwell Friends for their final game of the season. Today's starters were Shep Hardison, Vas Gnanadoss, Marshall Deal, Teddy Szyperski and Wallace Branche. The Tigers were held scoreless on their opening possession after winning the tip and Sidwell Friends took an early 2 - 0 lead on a drive down the lane. Unfortunately that would be the only basket for their player, Ben Citrum, because he hurt his ankle on the play and had to leave the game. Marshall gave Woodberry the lead 3 - 2 with a 3 pointer a minute and a half into the game. The Bengals held a 5 - 4 lead, but then Sidwell Friends went on a 16 - 5 run to end the first period up 20 - 10.
The Bengals fell behind 12 - 26 early in the second quarter before Marshall nailed another 3 pointer to make it 15 - 26. A basket by Shep, a 3 by Spencer Taylor and a basket by Wallace helped Woodberry chip away at the lead, but the still trail by 9 at half time with the score 22 - 31.
Coach Moran switched to a zone defense in the second half and the Bengals were able to slow down the Sidwell Friends' offense. The two teams traded baskets and midway through the third quarter, the score was 30 - 37. Back to back 3 pointers by Marshall got the game within one point, 36 - 37, and then Wallace was able to tie the game at 37 with 45 seconds left in the quarter when he went 1 for 2 from the line. Sidwell Friends regained the lead to finish the quarter up 39- 37.
Woodberry fell behind 37 - 42 in the fourth quarter, but Edwin Borden converted both free throws in a one and one situation to make it 39 - 42 with 5:50 remaining. Every time the Bengals were able to pull closer, Sidwell Friends answered with a big basket of their own, including to 3 pointers by Jeff Slade who ended with a game high 27 points. The Tigers made it a 5 point deficit, 43 - 48 with just 1:42 left. Coach Moran decided to send Sidwell Friends to the line and it paid off. After a missed front end of a one and one, Woodberry pushed the ball up the court and made it 45 - 48 with the clock showing 1:12. Again Sidwell Friends went to the line and missed the front end and Woodberry rebounded. Down 3 three points, David Little got off a 3 pointer which was half way down before it spun out. Wallace grabbed the rebound, was fouled on his shot and the ball rolled off the rim. Wallace made both free throws with 37 seconds left to make the score 47 - 48. Snow Holding pulled down a big rebound off another missed free throw and got the ball to David who got the ball to half court and called time out with 13 seconds remaining. Coach Moran drew up an inbounds play, but Sidwell defended it well and prevented the Tigers from getting an open look. Sidwell Friends would make one more free throw to make the score 47 - 49, and the Tigers were unable to regain possession before time expired.
Marshall finished the game with 22 points off six three pointers and 4 for 4 from the line. Congratulations to Marshall for ending the season with 202 points. Wallace had 8 points in the game while both Edwin and Snow had 4 points. Spencer had 3 points and Shep, David and Drew each added 2 points to round off the scoring. Everybody saw playing time today and the team enjoyed the support from many family members and friends.
Although it was a disappointing loss today, the Bengals finished their season 9 - 5.
