Prior Win Despite Brayfield Heroics (From The Northern Echo)

Prior Off The Mark

2:06pm Tuesday 9th December 2008 in Tees College & Schools League By James Thomson

Basketball in association with Game Time

Prior arrived at Redcar less than an hour after playing Hartlepool 6th Form for this one day double header. Prior were reeling after a poor show against Hartlepool Hurricanes and this next game would provide an opportunity for an immediate response. Redcar meanwhile were taking the same view after being beaten in a close game the previous week against Stockton Slammers.

The Rhinos were first on the charge after James McGrath out leaped Matthew Norman to win the tip and then continued down the court to convert the lay up for the first 2pts. Steven Jones with the nice pass for the assist. Prior's response was immediate and powerful as they produced a 7-0 run with Matthew Brown and Jack Sanders hitting the points. In the fifth minute Carl Brayfield found the target for Redcar with a powerful drive and then followed up immediately after with a lovely reverse lay up to bring Redcar within 1pt, 6-7. Sanders was running the fast break well for Prior and Brown found his man open again in the sixth minute only for Brayfield to hit a baseline jumper to keep the Pumas lead to 1pt.

With two minutes remaining in the first quarter, Pumas' Brown lined up a 3 pointer to instigate an 8-0 run and this second run would take Pumas lead to 8pts, 10-18. Prior's ability to produce these runs was the difference in the teams, although Redcar were looking dangerous at times and a fine performance from Brayfield was keeping them in the game. At the end of the quarter the scoreboard indicated 14-22 in favour of Prior.

Steven Jones brought Rhinos to within 6pts with a well earned rebound and put back in the first minute of the second period and would return to defence with a bust lip for his efforts. This determination from the home side was extremely impressive, although frustration threatened to boil over at times from Barry Hevey. Thankfully efforts were re-concentrated on the game and their team play and passing at times was far better than the visitors. In the second minute Brayfield, having been fouled by Norman went to the line to covert 1of2 free throws. With the lead now down to 5, Redcar were looking stronger and stronger and Prior were struggling to score. Prior would not score for the first four minutes, but when they did, it was devastating as Matthew Brown nailed two big 3 pointers and Matthew Norman hit a baseline jump shot to take the scores to 17-30. Brayfield was showing tremendous character and never let his head drop and this seemed to have a great impact on his performance as he hit another brace of baskets for Redcar. Sam Smallwood entered the game for Brown and picked up where the captain left off as he made two nice drives followed by another Jack Sanders lay up for a 15pt lead at half time, 21-36.

Steven Jones and Carl Brayfield were the key to Redcar's hopes on attack but the defensive efforts of Joe McCormick and James McGrath were crucial as the collected rebound after rebound and made life very difficult for Prior. The Rhinos again started well with Brayfield making a shot from just outside the key. Chris Emerson responded for Prior with a baseline shot of his own but Jones would use his strength to drive at the Pumas for another two baskets. This trading of baskets would continue until the sixth minute, both Barry Hevey and Sam Pitt of Rhinos and Pumas, respectively doing very well. The remaining four minutes though witnessed Redcar produce a good run of points as they outscored the visitors 12-4 to reduce the deficit to 8pts, 40-48. Steven Davies and Brayfield both at the centre of things and Lawrence Bellani doing well for Pumas.

In the final quarter it was again basket for basket and again Brayfield hitting the target as he scored the first 6pts for Redcar. Alex Wood made a good rebound and lovely put back in the second minute and Smallwood drove again for a nice pull up jumper to keep the lead at 10pts but in the fifth minute, Rhinos would receive a boost when the athletic 6'4" Kemroy Wallace arrived and entered the game during a time out. The positive impact Jamaican Wallace brought was huge as his presence was felt both on and off the court, blocking shots, unsettling Prior's rhythm and bringing encouragement to the Rhinos supporters who were now full of voice. This led to Rhinos scoring 5 baskets to Prior's 2. The 2 baskets scored by Pumas however included a crucial 3pt play as Matthew Brown sealed the win with an And 1.

The MVP was awarded to Matthew Brown of Pumas whose 31pts guided the Pumas to their first win of the season with some accurate outside shooting and great inside play. Carl Brayfield was supreme for the Rhinos and was very close to pippin Brown for the honour.

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