For JV boys' basketball, the season draws to a disappointing close

By Jonas Shaffer, JV Journal Reporter

JAN. 20, NELSON H. KOBREN MEMORIAL GYMNASIUM -

Friday's game between the Blair boys' junior varsity basketball team and Richard Montgomery was, in many ways, representative of Blair's performance this season.

There were glimpses of brilliance on offense and defense, subtle signs of frustration and an increasingly familiar trend of fading down the stretch.

The JV team, whose 3-1 record early in the season looked promising, is now in the midst of a mid-season slump. Blair has lost four of their last five matches, often losing control of leads and momentum as time wore on.

In Blair's Jan. 16 game against Sherwood, one of the strongest teams of the league, Blair matched the Warriors point-for-point in the first half. But by the second half, the Blazer advantage dissolved; the team seemed to lose its edge as the game wore on.

Blair's game against Richard Montgomery was almost no different. Taking advantage of turnovers and missed opportunities, Richard Montgomery took their first lead of the game, 44-43, with 4:20 remaining in the third quarter. Though Blair led by three entering the final period, few could have predicted the ten-point swing that took place in the final eight minutes.

Retaking the court in the fourth quarter, it appeared that the Blazers had forgotten what had gotten them their lead. Blair's guards traveled with alarming frequency, and struggled to adjust to the zone defense that the Rockets threw at them; all errors that helped Richard Montgomery build a comfortable lead.

Any glimmers of hope that still remained after a lay-up by freshman Wayne Henderson in the final minute were promptly extinguished by Richard Montgomery on the subsequent possession, when they easily converted a lay-in off of a cut to the basket – the Rockets' bread and butter for much of the night – to push the lead to seven.

Although the Blazers gained an early 19-10 lead in the first quarter, the skills that had allowed them their quick start dissipated as the players tired, according to head coach Emanuel Charles.

"They're an athletic team," said Charles. "They're relying [too much] on their athletic abilities."

Blair may also be in need of a consistent playmaker. Of the team's participants in the Richard Montgomery game, only one, sophomore Mohamed Mansaray, hit double digits in the points column.

Blair, currently 5-6, plays host to Springbrook this Monday.