Blair boys’ varsity basketball team triumphs against Northwood

Basketball cover

Photo: The Blazers pose with a "University Boulevard" sign after their big win over Northwood.

The Blazers pose with a "University Boulevard" sign after their big win over Northwood. Photo courtesy of Tal Pearlman.

On Monday, Feb. 10, the Blair boys’ varsity basketball (11-6) team comfortably beat Northwood (2-15) 78-44. The Blazers never trailed the game, defending intensely and playing at a lightning-quick pace throughout. 

The Blazers began with their trademark intensity on defense and offense, not allowing the Gladiators to score a single point until halfway through the first quarter. Key defensive plays from senior forward Adam Diallo ignited their early defensive spark. 

Blair consistently had a taller lineup, winning a surprising number of offensive rebounds and frequently getting to the free-throw line. The team ended the first quarter with an imposing 19-4 lead. 

The second quarter started similarly, with quick defensive sequences allowing the Blazers to begin with a 5-2 scoring run. However, nearing the end of the first half the Blazers lost their grip and allowed Northwood a chance back into the game after a flurry of three-pointers. The first half ended with the Blazers maintaining a precarious 36-23 lead. 

Team huddle

Photo: The Blazers looked more organized in the second half, mainly due to an increased defensive presence.

The Blazers looked more organized in the second half, mainly due to an increased defensive presence. Photo courtesy of Joe Newman.

In the second half, Blair reinvigorated with intensity and caused numerous chaotic defensive sequences – one included a sequence of three straight turnovers. The lead was cut to its shortest of the night at nine points midway through the third quarter, but the Blazers recovered quickly to end the quarter with a 12-point lead. 

The Blazers went on an impressive 12-0 scoring run to begin the fourth quarter. With 3 straight offensive rebounds to finish the run, it was clear the team had sealed the game. 

Junior guard Elom Amenti said the key to the team’s win was their intensity on defense and willingness to pass the ball. “I think defensively we did a good job getting turnovers,” he said. “We also did a good job stopping the ball and rotating to our players.”

Amenti said the adjustment in the second half was crucial to the win, allowing the team to play with energy again. “As a team, we came to the conclusion that we had to lock in,” he said. “We stopped playing selfishly, and we just started playing as one and that’s what changed things.” 

Blair’s leading scorers were guard Bakarr Abu and forward Yacouba Maiga, each scoring 11 points and grabbing five rebounds. However, Amenti said the teams defense was the key to closing out the game. “The key to the game was defense,” he said. “Because that’s what sped up the offense and then they started throwing turnovers, forcing shots, we just capitalized on that.” 

The Blazers’ next game is their senior night against Wheaton (home) on Friday, Feb. 14 at 5:30 p.m. Tickets can be found here.