Unlucky 13 ends on Friday the thirteenth

FEB. 17, NELSON H. KOBREN MEMORIAL GYMNASIUM-

The JV boys' basketball team broke their thirteen game losing streak today by beating Wooton 60-55. The Blazers finished their season with a 4-13 record. Even though Blair lost three key players over the last week, they still played a strong game today with great defense, passing and ball-handling.

Consistency was the key to this game. Blair made 15 points in each quarter. Blair also kept putting pressure on Wooton so that they had a turnover every other minute. Although the blazers didn't attempt any three pointers, their dependable two point shooting kept the blazers from having to make the risky far away shots.

Even though Wooton got up to a ten point lead in the second quarter they quickly burned out and within minutes Blair was only a single point behind them. Blair pulled away during the third quarter and just kept their lead throughout the fourth.

The Blazers obviously have worked hard on defense over the last few weeks because today it was solid. Rarely did Wooton get anyone even close to the hoop and if they did they weren't likely to make the shot because of the pressure Blair put on them. Many times Blair would have as many as three people on a Wooton player if he came in with the ball and within seconds the Blazers would have possession. Breakaways, which normally are a weakness for Blair, were not an issue today. The hustle the Blazers made to get back on defense was speedy and organized. One Wooton player made a breakaway in the third quarter but when he went up for a lay-up sophomore Alex Brown came from behind and swiped the ball midair while flying over the players head.

The team who had the most control over the ball was obviously Blair. In the first quarter Rashad McDonald made a drive through three defenders. In the second quarter freshman Darius Smith stole the ball, broke away from the pack and then made a lay-up without any problems.

Blair's passing was so effective today. Each pass was fast and accurate, helping the Blazers bring the ball inside the red for closer and more dependable shots, which they had no problems making.

Captain Tommy Dugan, who put 12 points on the board today, said that the Blazers "had fun with it. We didn't feel any pressure. We have really been getting better over the last few weeks and everything finally clicked and everything just worked. Everyone played well."

With three point guards and one shooting guard coming back next season, the JV boys' basketball team is believed to be in good shape. "All we need for next season is some height. Other than that we should have a really good season," exclaimed Jon Brown.