Last Friday, Feb. 6, the Bruins lost to Rockhurst Hawklets at a home game, bringing their season record to 13-4.
The first quarter started off well for the Hawklets, as they quickly scored the first 2 points of the game. After some Hawklet fouls, junior Book Kritza got the Bruins their first 2 points with a layup. With the Hawklets’ strong offense, they managed to make 12 more points on the Bruins, ending the quarter with 2-14. Sophomore Jordan Davis reflects on the season so far.
“The season has been going well for myself and my team,” Davis said. “An exciting moment for myself was a victory against Hazelwood East and a 28-point performance to win an MVP award.”
As the second quarter began, it was back and forth scoring between both the teams. The Hawklets attained the first 2 points with the Bruins following soon after, with senior Elijah Jones winning 2 more points for their team, putting the numbers at 4-16. Despite the rough start, the Bruins were able to lock down and score 10 more points via Kritza and Davis, setting the scoreboard at 14-21. The teams battled for points for the remaining period of the quarter and the Bruins fell short, only making 1 more point by junior Nicholas Timbrook and the Hawklets making 10 (15-31). Davis discusses what he and his team focus on before big games to ensure readiness.
“Me and my team prepare for games by scouting the opposing team, practicing specific game plans and stretching to make sure we stay healthy and ready for games,” Davis said.
The third quarter opens with the Hawklets starting off strongly, once again, making the first 4 points. This was soon followed by Davis scoring another 2 for the Bruins. With the Bruins tightening their defense, the Hawklets struggled to make another basket, with multiple Bruin steals. Due to quick feet and powerful offensive skills from Davis, this was followed by a 3-pointer for the Bruins. Not long after, Hawklets made its own 3-pointer, putting the score at 19-38. With 4 minutes left in the quarter, both teams fought to gain ground. The Bruins managed to get 6 more points via Kritza’s free throw and layup and senior Will Priest’s 3-pointer. This is accompanied by the Hawklets’ 10 points scored, putting them even higher on the scoreboard (25-48).
Finally, the 4th quarter commences, the last stretch of the game and the Bruins’ final chance to scrounge up some points, exceeding the Hawklets. The start was promising for the Bruins, with Davis once again shooting another 3-pointer, setting the Bruins at 28. Unfortunately, this was disrupted due to freshman Beckett Bruns being injured and having to leave the court. Regardless of this, the Bruins were not shaken. Timbrook wins the Bruins 2 points with a layup and Davis comes back with his signature move, a 3-pointer, putting the Bruins at 33. Subsequently, the Hawklets make an attempt to steal the ball and get the game back on their side. Fortunately, the Bruins offense did not disappoint, with Davis making a steal, charging down the court and scoring the Bruins another 2 points. This was soon followed by another layup by Timbrook. Davis touches upon a significant accomplishment for his team this season.
“A noteworthy win for my team is our win against (at the time) the number 1 team in the state, Oak Park [on Jan. 3 at Spartan Invitational].” Davis said.
Despite the determination of the team and the Bruins strengthening their defense, the Hawklets still managed to gain over the Bruins, setting their score at 52. Continuing the streak, more points were made for the Hawklets, putting them at 54. After this, it is back and forth between the teams, with both managing to score over the other. Jones gets the Bruins 2 points with a layup, Timbrook scores 2 with 2 successful free throws and Jones wins another 2 points with a layup. All of these baskets were followed by baskets made via the Hawklets, placing the score at 43- 63. With 50 seconds left in the game, the Bruins and the Hawklets battle for the win. Timbrook comes back in an attempt to level the playing field and scores the Bruins another 2 points. Unfortunately for the team, these were the last points of the game and were followed by 2 points for the Hawklets, ending the night at 45-65. Davis looks back on what lessons the team has taught him.
“I plan on sticking with the [Bruins] throughout high school,” Davis said. “I have learned a lot about mental toughness and what it takes to move on the next play unaffected.”
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