Up, up and away ... Falcon guard Kevin G. lays the ball in the hoop midway through the third quarter while Livingston Manor defenders Ross Abbot and Brandon Smith try to stop him.
Boy’s Lose in Close Match-up Against the Livingston Manor Wildcats, 60-54 at Home
By Bennett O.
With 1:48 left in the intense game, the Livingston Manor Wildcats took the lead 53-52 and went on to beat the Family Falcons, 60-54 at The Family Foundation School on February 18.
Falcon guard Isaac M. and Wildcat center Brendan Smith stood face to face to await the tip off. The ball ended up in the hands of Manor guard Troy C. Seconds later, Falcons guard Jason D. stole the ball and drove to the hoop for a layup.
The Falcons started the game on the right foot passing the ball in the offensive zone, driving it to the hoop and taking smart shots.
With 3:45 left in the second half, Falcon guard Evan H. recovered the rebound in the defensive zone, and then went end to end dodging one Wildcat after another.
Next, he passed the ball to teammate Kevin G., who then passed it to Jason D., who sank a jump shot just shy of the three-point line and gave the Falcons momentum. The first quarter ended with Livingston Manor on top 19-18.
Manor started the second quarter with possession of the ball. The ball was quickly stolen by Evan. Evan took it to the hoop for a layup. This gave the Falcons the lead, as they continued to stretch it.
Throughout the game the Falcons played a 2-3 zone; this strategy gave them an edge. “I look back on our progress from the last few games and I see an astonishing improvement in our ability to keep our composure,” said Kevin.
With two quarters gone, the teams went into the locker room with the score 32-28, Falcons.
At the start of the third quarter the Falcons came out on fire hitting almost every shot. After a back to back stuff by Isaac and Jens J., Wildcats coach Hicks called a timeout.
With ten seconds to go in the third quarter Kevin recovered the rebound and drove to the net for an easy layup, putting the Falcons on top 45-43 going into the fourth quarter.
The last quarter wasn’t good for the Falcons. They made inaccurate passes, which in turn led to turnover after turnover. The Wildcats eventually took the lead.
With 1:28 left in the game, Livingston Manor was up by three. The Falcons desperately needed to step it up or they were going to lose the game.
Manor was up by two and the Falcons had no choice but to foul at all costs. The clock ticked down to nine seconds and Manor extended the lead to four.
“I felt like the kids played to the best of their abilities and fought hard till the end. It just comes down to not knowing what to do in tight situations,” said Assistant Coach Larry Patrisso.
