Basketball 2nds lose local derby in first competitive match

This was the second teams first ever game against an outside opponent, and despite hard work from York, the seasoned St John players were able to control the game from start to finish.

Quickly building up their lead in the first quarter, St John moved the ball well on offence, constantly forcing the York zone defence to adjust, and inevitably freeing either their point or shooting guard for a deep two pointer or a three from downtown.

Their ability to score repeatedly from these shots built up a ten point lead by the end of the first period. But York, although unable to prevent the outside shooting, did shut down the interior. Strong defence from Tom Marks, John McStravick and David Beckmann kept their centre and power forward from getting any easy baskets throughout the game.

On offence York had constant problems finding the open man. Consistent pressure from St John, combined with York’s relative inexperience, led to missed opportunities and turnovers. St John’s full court press was designed to take advantage of York’s inexperience and it worked, many players finding the first quarter a struggle as they adjusted to the intensity of the game.

The second quarter carried on much like the first with York unable to stop the outside shooting by St John. On the flip side, York began to deal with the pressure from St John’s defence a lot better, with Dan Baark and John Taptas adjusting themselves a lot better to the opposition pressure.

But it was not only York's guards who matured as the game progressed - Marks and McStravick got into the rhythm of the game a lot more in the second and began to attack the low post, and this cross-team effort on offence helped to keep St John within touching distance until half-time.

The team will definitely learn and benefit from this experience.
1sts captain Dane Vishnubala

The third continued with similar intensity, but coach Ben Barrett’s repeated calls for yet more determination began to pay off, as players became more and more aggressive. Baark began to sink three pointers, something which he continued to do all game, while Adekunle Adelaja came off the bench for the first time, making an immediate impact by sinking a shot from the low post to silence his first team critics.

Although more motivated and spurred on by Barrett, York were still struggling to shut down St John’s offense. Repeated three pointers from their shooting guard and strong finishing from their point guard continued to pose problems for York, ones which they proved unable ever to answer.

In the final quarter, York continued to play hard but could not close the gap. Baark played with ever greater intensity but despite his best efforts the game finished 63 – 48, much to the disappointment of York. Nevertheless, York played three quarters at the same level as their opponents, never allowing the deficit to increase for long, but they were let down by their slow start in the first.

Men’s first team captain Dane Vishnubala and Men’s President Marcus Johansson both commented that for their first game, “The second team did really well and will definitely learn and benefit from their experience.” Meanwhile, York players confidently commented in the locker rooms after the game that, had this been six months later, they would definitely have given their local rivals a run for their money.

Despite the loss, it was a good start for the second team - they had their first game against a strong opponent, and once they had adjusted to the intensity of the game they played just as hard as St John. All in all, a promising start for the seconds and an excellent base for the club to build from.

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