** MATCH REPORT **
Our u14s Grizzlies headed out of Congleton to Ellesmere Port for the first juniors game of 2023. After the lengthy break over Christmas, the grizzlies aimed to keep on track and remain undefeated against a never before seen Cheshire Phoenix side.
The Grizzlies started off strong defensively, but couldn't turn this defensive pressure into points on the other end. With the first unit being replaced at the halfway point of the quarter, the second unit struggled with the same issues, and the Phoenix started to break the defence. The mismatches on defence added to the offensive struggles meant the quarter ended 15-13 in favour of the Phoenix.
The second quarter started much like the first, however the Grizzlies managed to find a groove and finally start putting points on the board, running out in transition to open baskets. However the lads struggled to convert the first chance efforts, only to rebound the ball really well and create second chance and third chance opportunities which they converted. Rebounding was the theme of the second quarter, with the Grizzlies dominating the boards hugely in this period, stopping the Phoenix getting many opportunities. The Grizzlies won the quarter by 8, with the half time score 31-25 in favour of the Grizzlies.
With the second half came the starting 5 again under the all must play rule, and the Grizzlies were sluggish. The defence was faltering, the offence dried up again, and the luck was on the Grizzlies side with the Phoenix having a burst of opportunities but failing to convert also. Time-outs were called b y both coaches throughout this quarter to try and stimulate their troops to no avail. The Grizzlies managed to make free throws during the third quarter, however the offence was non existent for both sides, with the Grizzlies winning the low scoring quarter by 7. Score 45-32 to the Grizzlies.
The fourth started with the tallest line up the Grizzlies had to offer, and a strong emphasis on rebounding and pushing in transition which did not go well for the first two minutes, prompting a timeout from the coach. A very loud and stern talking to from the coach aimed to invigorate the Grizzlies, and it had the desired effect. The Grizzlies turned up the defence ten fold, suffocating the Phoenix and were able to push in transition at speed, and with more success on the first attempts. Rebounding was excellent, the ball started to rotate between all 5 players and the Grizzlies stretched the lead out in a short space of time. The last 3 minutes saw the Phoenix put on their tallest players, to which the Grizzlies rotated to their smallest line-up to really up the tempo and they closed out the game with an 8-0 run to win the quarter by 8, and the game by 21.
Overall, it was a close game until the 4th quarter, with free throws and rebounding the key differences in this one. The Grizzlies remain undefeated so far this season and go to 5-0 on their record.
LETS GO GRIZZLIES!!
MVP of the game was given to Jo!
Add comment
Comments