Marine Corps Base Quantico, Va. -- The Quantico Middle/High School Boys Varsity Basketball Team played against Chelsea Academy High School at QMHS on Friday. The Warriors won the game, 50-45.
Chelsea took a quick lead in the first quarter but the Warriors stayed within a few points. Chelsea ended the first quarter ahead, 11-8.
“You are playing great basketball,” exclaimed John Echaniz, assistant coach for Chelsea. “Don’t change a thing, except for turnovers.”
The Warriors coach wasn’t as happy with his team’s play.
“It’s half way through the season and you’re acting like you’ve never played before,” said Ed Cottrell, the Warriors’ head coach. “Pull it together and play like you know what’s going on.”
The Warriors came back in the second quarter ready to play; gaining points on shots, confidence on rebounds, and intimidating Chelsea with their strong defense.
Chelsea wasn’t ready to give up, though. The team stopped two layups in midair and began causing the Warriors to turn the ball over.
“Drive, drive, drive,” shouted Cottrell, “Drive to the basket!”
Jordan, QMHS Boys Varsity Basketball Team player, faked out his Chelsea defender with an around-the-back dribble. The Warriors bench and crowd went wild, their screams echoed off the walls, but the Warriors were unable to drive the ball to their basket.
Chelsea held the lead, 18-16, at the half.
“Play smart,” said Echaniz, before starting the third quarter.
Both teams scored in the third quarter and continued to battle each other. Chelsea’s coach continued to be happy with his team but Cottrell wasn’t happy with his.
“You are making little sissy passes,” said Cottrell, during a time out. “Stop being lazy. Get out to your spot and play the game.”
In the fourth quarter, Chelsea tied the game at 36 and got momentum on their side to got a strong lead, 44-42.
The Warriors dominated the last four minutes, holding Chelsea at 44 and began to rack up points of their own. The Warriors won, 50-44.
“I have nothing bad to say about that game,” said Echaniz. “Both teams played their hearts out and never gave up, but most importantly the sportsmanship was there and that’s what this level of play is all about.”