RBHS freshman boys’ basketball lost Dec. 15 at a home game against rival team, Hickman High School (HHS) Kewpies.
The team fell to the Kewpies with a score of 42-60, resulting in the current record being 3-2 after that game. Travis Gabel— the boys’ basketball head coach and physics teacher at RBHS—explains that for the freshman boys’ basketball team, it’s all about the basics.
“For freshman level, it’s a lot about fundamentals to make sure that we have the […] skills that we need […] so every practice, we have a fair amount of [essentials] with a game preparation at the end of it,” Gabel said.
The beginning of the first quarter had a strong start. Bruins started off on offense and managed to score three points from a free throw and baskets before Kewpies caught up and scored three more times, making the score 3-10. After a failed steal, freshman guard/forward Justin Ibeawuchi was fouled but brought the Bruins score from 3 to 5 after his successful free throws. After a stolen ball and a pass back to Ibeawuchi, the bruins scored again. Following an impressive three pointer from the Kewpies, the score was at 12-19 at the end of the final quarter. Gabel believes it’s important to have the basics down with coaching
“We have to make sure we have the skills down first, so passing, catching, shooting, defensive closing out, blocking out the ball, on ball defense and so [on],” Gabel said. “That’s where I start with coaching.”
The second quarter began with the ball obtained by the Kewpies. After a rebound from freshman guard/forward Bradlen Nickens , a Kewpie player steals back the ball and scores the team to 22. Nickens and freshman guard Tarik Memic pass the back and forth to avoid the defense team. After a pass and score to Ibeawuchi, the score became 14-22. Both Kewpies and Bruins improved their scores by two points, with the Bruin basket being made by freshman guard Brek Jensen. Another three pointer was made by Kewpies, bringing their score to 27. After the Kewpies secured their final score, the second quarter ended 19-29 with Kewpies in the lead.
“My goal is to become a better team mate and try my best to improve [how I play] by practicing. I feel like I’ve played well this season though.” Jensen said.
The second half of the game was filled with an intense student section cheering on their fellow Bruins. The third quarter commenced with the Kewpies scoring again, getting 31 points. Following that, a four-way play was made to get the Bruins to 21 points. Both teams made sure to keep up with scoring and never fell too far behind. Freshman center Eric Kyne scored again and got fouled but ended up not making the free throws. A block against a player led to a free throw opportunity for the Kewpies once again, making their score go up to 32. Both teams very quickly managed to make two points for themselves. The speed and intensity of the third quarter got the crowd of students loud and excited. Both teams were trying their hardest for rebounds. The third quarter ended in 31-42 with Kewpies still in the lead.
The final quarter didn’t fail to keep the crowd engulfed. Immediately, both teams managed to score once again. After two baskets and free throws, Kewpies got up to 51 points. Bruins kept trying their hardest to bring in as many points as possible, but throughout the final few baskets and free throws made, they were able to make it to a final 42 points. Kewpies also rallied in some extra points too, leaving a final score of 42-60 points. Although the Bruins didn’t win this game, the performance of these players didn’t disappoint the crowd of students, families, friends and faculty members. Gabel believes some losses are important for the team, as long as they give it their all.
“We’re successful if everybody’s given their full 100%. There’s only one way you’ll know if they’re successful or not. […] Sometimes it feels like you did your best, but you didn’t win,” Gabel said. “So, in my opinion, it’s a success. The opposite can be true, as well. If you didn’t play your best, but you won. […] Getting the guys to play their best and give their best effort is the biggest thing.”
Did you support the Bruins in the student section Monday night? Let us know in the comments below.
