On Sunday, the u18 Tomcats travelled to Cambridge to take on the Cats. Cambridge has improved since our initial meeting at the beginning of the season. Coach Clint Wedderburn has done a great job with the Cats, making it difficult for opposing teams to play them. And Sunday was no exception.

As been the case more often than not this season, our defence was the trigger to getting points on the scoreboard. We started in a very high and aggressive defensive stance to keep the Cats off the score sheet as we quickly built up a 7-0 lead. But the pace at which the game began was frantic and with us missing early layups and committing turnovers on the break, Cambridge soon battled back to pull ahead 8-7. But once we settled into the game and better protected the ball, our speed and rebounding proved to be enough top open a lead.

Tom Hunt, coming into his own this season was effective on the boards at both ends and got us out on the run from his defensive rebounding and was there for the put backs on the offensive glass. Jack Collett, playing with newly acquired confidence opened up the game with a succession of 3 point shots to ensure we finished the period up 17-14.

The second period is where we threw off the Cats’ challenge and got into a running game. Ethan Dixon continues to add balance to his game, by pushing the ball up the floor and rewarding teammates for the hard work in filling the lanes with his creative assists. David Lockwood slipped in the back of the Cambridge defence on a few occasions to get uncontested layups to open up the game and we gradually built up a double digit lead. Tyme Regent-Bascombe, Joe Shaju and Nate McGeachie, who all come in off the bench to relieve some of the starters, provided extra pace and energy, tightening up the defence and forcing turnovers and 24 second shot clock violations. The team worked hard to build a 43-31 lead by the half.

To start the third, we continued pretty much how we finished the first half- forcing turnovers and running the floor. Cambridge however called a timeout and came back with renewed energy and conviction as they made a gallant run to cut the deficit. The third was by far their best period as they won it 18-16, to end at 49-59.

It was all about finishing strong in the fourth period. We made the defensive adjustments that allowed Cambridge to score so easily in the third and continued to apply on the ball pressure to force the turnovers. It was clear that the Cats were losing their resolve to continue to mount their assault on the 10 point deficit. With Tyme, David and Liam continuing to run the floor and Tom swatting anything that came towards the basket, the challenge was pretty much finished. Joe hit a few clutch shots on which he was fouled and with them in the bonus, we were able to shoot the resulting free throws to extend the lead.

We closed out the period 24-12 to record an 83-61 final. The stats for this game gave a really good indication of the team work as everyone contributed to a balanced score sheet. This was really encouraging to see that everyone is getting involved at both ends of the court, especially as we now drive towards the playoffs and that crucial home court advantage.

Score Sheet
4. Joe Shaju - 14
5. Tyme Regent-Bascombe - 11
6. Ethan Dixon - 12
9. Nathan McGeachie - 2
12. Tom Hunt - 13
13. Liam Eley - 12
14. Jack Collett - 9
15. David Lockwood - 10