Hurricanes Nearly Knock Off Panthers, Fall 32-28

(Saturday, January 15th)  In a fast-paced slugfest between two very evenly matched teams, which saw several lead changes over the course of four scrappy quarters of play,  the Team 3 Panthers ultimately rode the clock to a 32-28 over the Hurricanes.  
 

Returning Hurricanes veteran Chris responds to set a screen
for Conrad in the first quarter. Chris contributed 3 steals, and showed
tremendous improvement over his summer league play.

 The final score does not tell the whole story or paint a complete picture, however, and with two more meetings scheduled between these two teams in near future, by no means can the Panthers afford to take their victory for granted.

The Hurricanes got off to a quick start in the first quarter, behind the lightning quick speed of Chris and Jordan in the backcourt, Conrad and Allen in the front court, and the wirey, long-armed defense of newly acquired center, Carlos. 




Three Panthers chase Conrad following a steal, which resulted in a
successful layup.
Conrad went on to finish the game with 6 steals.

 Although it took a few minutes for their shots to warm up and drop through the hoop, the Hurricanes eventually found the net, and it appeared as if the Panthers would have no answer for the high intensity and hustle of the Hurricanes's lineup, which flew across the floor in all directions like five squirrels on sterroids, storing up an 8-to-6 lead at the end of the first quarter.

  

Michael, shown here driving the perimeter,
finished with a 3-pointer and 6 rebounds.

 But team sports is all about adjustments, and in the second quarter, the Panthers inserted their secret weapon: Number 9, a burly 5'10 center with a knack for finding rebounds and hitting close-in shots.

With Michael replacing Carlos at center, and Patrick, Daniel and Chandler in to spell the first quarter squad, the Hurricanes continued to work the ball around the perimeter, as the Panthers dominated inside the key.


The Panthers overtook the Hurricanes and sailed into half-time with a 17-to-11 lead.
   

Veteran workhorse
Chandler
returns to the Hurricanes -
and brings his tough transition
defense with him.

 

Daniel, a Hurricanes rookie, scored
two points in his YMCA
league debut. 

 

Jordan's quick hands resulted
in a key steal early in the game.





Carrying the momentum from the second to the third quarter, the Panthers set about to bury the Hurricanes...but sorely undestimated the hustle, fire, focus, and inner fortitude of their opponent.

Despite an uphill game characterized by countless turnovers, the Hurricanes fought back with vigor behind two key steals from Jordan and Chandler, a 3-pointer by Michael, and a surprise 2-point teardrop bucket by Daniel.



Carlos, the newly acquired Hurricanes Center, takes a baseline shot.

Starting the fourth quarter with an eight point deficit, the Hurricanes went on a rampage, as Patrick exploded for 6 points, and unexpectedly sprung out of nowhere to swat a shot by Panther's star point guard (#3).

Allen continued to drive and drill away at the Panther wall, accumulating three more points, while Carlos grabbed three key rebounds, and Conrad dumped in a final 2 pointer to finish the game with 8 points, 6 steals, and 8 rebounds.

Unfortunately for the Hurricanes, their explosive 11 point fourth quarter effort was silenced by the referee's whistle, signaling the end of a hard fought game which ended in a 32-28 Panther victory. Given another two or three minutes, the results quite probably would have favored the Hurricanes.  

The Hurricanes went into the post game huddle with their heads held high, realizing that the season is young, and with a few minor adjustments - they'll be back to compete another day.   The coaches' feedback pointed to turnovers and defense as two areas to tweek and tune up next practice.


Allen drives past the Panthers' start center (#9) en route to a
5 points, 3 rebounds, 2 steals effort.

Coach Quentin and Coach Chris expressed their satisfaction and optimism with what they saw on the court.  Although the team struggled on offense at times (30% field goal shooting, 42% from the line), there were many, many positive take-aways.


The hustle was outstanding, especially for a first game with only 2 practices under their belt. Set aside the final score and turnovers, and the remaining statistics paint a much clearer, more positive picture:  31 rebounds, 15 steals, 10 assists, 9 blocked shots and only 12 fouls.  

Following a steal, Patrick prepares to pass the
ball as he's forced out of bounds. Patrick racked up
8 points, 3 rebounds and 3 steals.

This is clearly a team with a great attitude, an unselfish style of play - and seven exciting, entertaining games to come.