Arborbrook 40 – Central 23
The Falcons (4-2) finally put together 4 quarters of basketball and controlled the entire game against an outmatched Central team. This is the second time we have played Central and we knew we were taller, faster, and more talented. In previous games we have played to the level of the competition but not this time. The Falcons came out focused with a high degree of intensity. The starting five played together for only the first three minutes of the game before Coach started substituting. The Falcons were up 4-0 on baskets by Matthew Pedemonte and Ryan Brown when Richard McFall entered the game for Caleb Robinson and quickly scored on a rebound. Matthew would add another basket and give the Falcons an 8-0 lead going into the second quarter. This quarter proved to be the best single quarter point out put the Falcons have had this season. They scored 17 points while giving up only 6. Ethan Robinson made his first basket of the year on a shot from the cornor of the lane just inside the free throw line. Matthew scored 7 points including 3 straight free throws. Ryan Brown knocked down a 3 pointer just before the buzzer and the Falcons had a 25-6 half time lead.
Coach stressed in the half time talk to continue to play at our level especially the first three minutes of the second half. “Do not let them think they can get back into this game.” That was the goal and the Falcons responded. With the starters on the bench almost the entire second half the Falcons increased their lead to 33-11 at the end of the third quarter. Joel VanDusen started driving to the basket and showed that he can score. This game was a confidence builder for Joel as he proved he can not only score but control the ball. Jonathan Spitler, Conor Murdock, and Ethan Robinson played almost the entire fourth quarter for the first time this season. Central was using a full court press which resulted in some early turnovers but they settled down and showed they could move the ball up the floor and either shoot or hit the open man. Conor scored his first point of the season when he knocked down 1 of 2 free throws. Jonathan didn’t score but did get to the line which was a victory in itself.
The final score was never the issue in this game. Both teams played hard and represented God, their school, and their parents well. The Central Athletic Director / Coach called us a classy operation. That means a lot to us. The attitudes displayed on the floor are seen by one and all no matter what the score. How our players act both on and off the court is the game we are really playing.
For the Record: Matthew Pedemonte played his best game ever as a Falcon. Matthew is a smooth player with a soft shot and quick hands. Matthew scored 15 points and went 5 for 7 from the free throw line. Matthew also had 3 rebounds, 2 steals, and 2 assists in limited playing time. Ryand Brown scored 7 points with 4 rebounds, 3 steals, and 2 assists. Kyle Boutross also scored 7 points with 3 rebounds and 5 steals. Joel VanDusen scored a season high 6 points while grabbing 3 rebounds with 1 steal and 1 assist. Caleb Robinson received very little playing time but still came up with 4 rebounds and 2 steals. Richard McFall came up with 2 points, 6 rebounds, and 2 steals. Ethan Robinson also scored 2 points with 1 rebound and 3 steals. Conor Murdock scored 1 point with 1 rebound and 1 steal. Johnathan Spitler did not score but did pull down 3 rebounds with one very good assist.
