CoL(l)Ateral Damage
Alec Reed Academy continued their impressive start in EABL competition after beating local rivals CoLA 69-58. Quite predictably this tense encounter started in quite nervous fashion with both teams missing their shots and committing numerous turnovers. From the very beginning CoLA established control of both boards while Alec Reed Academy relied on their advantage at the perimeter.
In the second quarter Alec Reed’s ferocious defence started to pay dividends and led to numerous turnovers which were converted to fastbreak points. To make the situation worse for CoLA, Golovcenko quickly found his range connecting a succession triples. At the half time break Alec Reed Academy led by 12 points and looked as though a 5th win was inevitable. However, ARA started the second half in a strangely lethargic mode and committed a series of turnovers resulting in the hard work dedicated to building a double digit advantage evaporated in 150 seconds with CoLA taking a 3 points lead in the middle of the third quarter. At this point Poorman and Adan shoved their true pedigree and started to control proceedings. Poorman’s countless penetrations allowed Alec Reed players to score from easy positions while Adan superbly combined the role of safe ball carrier with scoring from all positions earning his way to an impressive 18 points, 6 assists and 4 rebounds. Alec Reed Academy quickly weathered the storm and regained composure slowly building their advantage. In the fourth quarter high intensity team defence limited CoLA’s opportunity to score and Alec Reed Academy earned bragging rights winning this important for both sides game by 11 points
Coach Szatkowski delivered his perspective by stating: “It is very important to win while you are playing not so good. We looked strangely nervous today. I’m very happy that we have found true leaders in the crucial moments of the game. However, this is a piece of much bigger picture. Tomorrow we are flying to Hungary to play the first U20 EYBL tournament of this season. We will play four tough games against very good international opposition. We are back of Saturday night and on Sunday these guys will play in Division 2 or 4. We have 6 games to play in space of 6 days! I truly believe that playing this type of schedule is the only way to teach these guys about all aspects of life as professional sportsperson”
07.11.18