Bloomingdale Fights Wolves Into Final Minute of Play

Early in the first half of play, Newsome jumped out to a 28-18 point lead on the archrival Bulls behind a superlative 17 point first-half performance by junior standout Samal Shepherd.  The Bulls did not pack their bags this time, however, but fought their way back into the game via a three point shooting workout from senior Sean Hayes and a rebounding demonstration by junior forward Matt Farnsworth.

This was exactly the kind of game we have come to expect when these rivals get together.  The student sections raucously traded taunts while a highly vocal near-capacity crowd pumped energy directly onto the floor.  Senior Joe Raga and the rest of the Bloomingdale Bulls plugged in to this energy and came roaring back into the game, chipping away at the Wolves lead and ultimately taking the lead at the third period buzzer on a steal and breakaway dunk by Raga.  During the fourth period, neither team could hold a lead for long.  Having given up 21 points on 9 baskets to junior Samal Shepherd in the first three periods, Bloomingdale concentrated much of their defensive efforts on Mr. Shepherd in the fourth period, forcing him to get his remaining points from the line.  In so doing, however, junior Jake Hodges was able to break free for 10 points in the period.  With one minute remaining, Hodges hit a layup to give Newsome the lead for good at 56-54, and when the final buzzer sounded, Newsome came away with the victory by a score of 60-54.

In contrast to the first meeting of these two teams, all the Bloomingdale players played well.  Sean Hayes in particular, who was scoreless in the first game, was very effective in this game, scoring 21 points to lead the Bulls. Matt Farnsworth, who has developed into a true force in the paint, scored 16 while Sean Rooks added 10 and Joe Raga 7.  For the Wolves, in addition to Shepherd's 25, Hodges scored 16 and senior Charles Murphy added 9 points and a myriad of rebounds.  Sophomore Trent Mackey recorded 6 points on a pair of threes while senior Andy Suslavich and sophomore Jamel Gist added a bucket apiece.  Junior forward Cody Dowd and senior center Steve MacNeil rebounded and defended well while providing some excellent minutes off the bench.  The re-emergence of Mr Suslavich, whose ball-handling and defensive intensity adds so much to the Wolves performance, could not have come at a better time than this crucial stretch of the season.

With less than a full day's rest, the Wolves return to action today, Saturday January 17 at 2:30 against the Freedom Patriots at home in the Wolves Den.  Newsome continues to hold a two game lead in the district rankings.

JV note:  Congratulations and thanks to coach Dave Cassreino and the junior varsity team for a thrilling opener!  Down by two with 3 seconds left, the team ran a play to Dominic Konsulis on this baseline right in front of the bench.  Dom hit the three as time expired for a one point victory.  The varsity were really pumped and used that momentum to take the early lead.

Last changed: Jan 17 2009 at 1:24 PM

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