Despite an impressive season record of 20-2 which included victories in both tournaments they entered and only two tight in-season losses to highly ranked Pope John Paul II and these same Titans, the Blues came into this quarter final game without any real outside respect or expectation. After all, this wasn't the first time the Blues played an early round play-off game in these confines. O'Connor had visited MT at least a half dozen times over the past two decades and the result was inevitably a long empty handed TTC ride out of Malvern.
But something unscripted happened this time around. Teresa forgot to deliver the last Act of the time worn script and the Blues improvised their own conclusion: A stunning 70-65 over-time win.
The game was an exciting tilt that saw the lead switch hands numerous times. Short runs were the order of the day and no team led by more than 6 points at any time. The contest was an intense affair that required both teams to substitute frequently.
Kareem South slid into the high post in the first offensive half-court set and a look of unease could be seen on the face of his cover. Technically both players were in unfamiliar waters (two guards standing in as post players), but South's all round game allows him to swim confidently anywhere on the court. His 30 points were mostly hard fought inside baskets. More impressive than his point dominance was that he achieved it while playing most of the game in foul trouble. South picked up his fourth foul mid-way through the third quarter. Instead of panicking he redoubled his own focus and impressively was able to command his team to do the same; a true MVP performance.
Justis Hamil came into this contest having had a huge break through in the previous preliminary play-off game. In a dominant effort against Yeshevit the long, athletic and highly skilled Hamil found his form. The Titans had no answer for his exciting transition points, nor could they keep him off the defensive and offensive glass as he selfishly claimed board after board. Hamil played this game in a newly found defensive gear and with clear offensive purpose.
The Blues smooth point guard Oshea Gairey has created an impressive library collection of jaw dropping highlight reel plays this season. The coaches were especially pleased with his poise and good decision making against an aggressive MT defense. Gairey is always good for a couple of memorable plays. A heat seeking missile of a no look pass found R.J. Corpuz hiding behind a zone in the first half for a memorable basket. In the second half Gairey looked away a potential shot blocker and scooped in a pretty finger roll lay-up. Gairey was clutch in hitting a huge corner 3 pointer late in over-time which put O'Connor ahead for good. Most memorable to the coaches however, was the patience Gairey demonstrated and his ability to involve his team-mates in the game.
Co-captain Nigel Rainford was his usual steady, commanding presence in the lane. Every great team needs a selfless team player who is more than happy to play a tough and often thankless role. Rainford has no quit to his game. He pounded the glass grabbing key rebounds and provided a solid post outlet that helped turn Teresa pressure into easy transition O'Connor points. Rainford took charge emotionally during the late time-outs making sure everyone was going to dig as deep as he was.
R.J Corpuz and Nick Charles are our Ying and our Yang. Corpuz is a quick, offensively explosive guard who is a big part of our full court pressure. Corpuz turned several Teresa turn-overs into quick transition opportunities. Charles brings a speed and intensity that every coach loves. He played his usual unrelenting defensive role making life so very uncomfortable for the Titan's perimeter players. Charles never fails to "bring it".
Alex Mulego played crucial minutes as well and provided huge points off the bench capping it off with a big 3 point play at a key moment in the game. Mulego's minutes are so important. He provides important depth that allows our bigs to play hard knowing that their time on the bench won't hurt us.
It is said, that your bench might not be able to win you a game, but if they are not the right guys they can ensure that you lose it. Shadon Gray-Smith, Jose Rivas, Emmanuel Kirenga and Emmanuel Dover have provided solid depth throughout the season. They work so hard in practice and they have kept such a great attitude. Their minutes reveal a great deal of talent and poise. Our grade 9's: sharp shooting Malcolm Glanville, high flying Ruben Kasonga and spark plug Antonio Messam are important members of our team and they will be the foundation of promising future for O'Connor Basketball.
As the final seconds ticked off the clock the scene was eerily strange but so beautiful. The stands were full of silenced Titan fans who seemed unsure whether or not they could believe what their eyes had just witnessed. The only sound in the gym erupted from the now "completely on the radar" Blues. A jubilant bench sprang onto the floor to crash into, chest bump and embrace their ecstatic team-mates. Ask any coach and they will tell you that witnessing this level of pure joy is the sweet fruit that makes all the time and energy invested so worth it.
A loyal, supportive and very proud O'Connor parent contingent were like bright lights emerging out of a sea of grey and dispair. They came out of the stands and over to our bench and became a much deserving part of the celebration. O'Connor parents have been amazing all season: supportive, appreciative and classy, each and every one.
The locker room after the game was still electric as an emotional, almost teary coach Halili congratulated the team and tried to offer some perspective on what they had just accomplished. "You are the first O'Connor team to taste victory in this gym!" Halili in fact played on the last junior team to enjoy this level of success. The OCS Junior team of 1998 was the last boys team to make it past this point (TDCAA finalists) and Halili's senior team of 2000 made it to the city semi-finals where they would eventually fall to Father Henry Carr. As fate would have it the Senator O'Connor Jr. Blues are once again in the final four of the TDCAA championships. The Blues relish this opportunity and will be made to realize how amazing, how rare and how special a moment like this really is. They will be itching to play their next Goliath...who will be none other than Father Henry Carr!
I love March Madness because of the upsets. On any given day, the team that believes the most, desires it the most and gives the most pulls out the seemingly shocking win. It may be a shock to those on the outside, but I guarantee you, those in the locker room did not bank on luck; they prepared, envisioned and executed. The OCS Jr. Boys have earned a hard fought and equal place in the final four; they have as much right to believe as any team left- they should respect who they are and what they've done and they should represent O'Connor and the East with complete confidence- Go Blues!
ReplyDeleteWhat a story. BLUES triumph over the Titans.Congrats to the team, great team spirit and well done coaches. Go Blues Go
ReplyDeleteMrs.B.Peacock