Recap
With two more games for the Under 18’s Eagles a win was vital, but it looked tough as they went against a team who had previously beat them by more than 30 points. But a second win in 3 games at the Eagles Community Arena didn’t seem impossible…
A cagey first quarter saw both teams trying to feel each other out, and your eagles trying to put the pressure on with an intense full court defense. With both teams tied going into the last minute, Leeds went on a 6-0 run, leaving the first quarter score at 24-18 in favour of the visitors.
The second quarter was an excellent display of determination and aggressiveness from your Eagles, with big men Lievin and Moore doing damage from the inside, and defensively grabbing every rebound that was up for grabs. A strong 12-5 run at the end of the quarter meant your Eagles had clawed their way back into the game, going into halftime all tied at 46.
The third quarter started strongly with a quickly with a 4-0 run for the away side, however your eagles came back and tied the game once again. Neither team seemed to take grasp of the game and it was a back and forth affair throughout the quarter, with the quarter ending all tied at 63-63, ready for an exciting fourth.
Heading into the final quarter the message was ‘be aggressive, they’re tired’, as Leeds only travelled with 6 players. Once again, a back and forward quarter you eagles were down 1 with two minutes to go…, After a quick and-one by Kande your eagles had a two-point lead, before Leeds took charge and battled for 4 quick points giving them the slight edge with under one minute to go. Then the guards for your eagles stepped up, a clutch 3 by Fetherston gave your Eagles a one-point lead before Leeds called a timeout to draw up a play, fortunately it didn’t work and your Eagles gathered the rebound. In a play that can only be described as clutch, Kande forced in a layup over multiple defenders to seal the victory for you Eagles in a very mature and hard-working performance.
Eagles Top Scorers – Kande 25, Moore 17, Lievin and Fetherston 12