By Leo Corman ‘15

The boys’ basketball team lost 71-55 at Springbrook on Saturday in the 4A North Region Section II championship game, knocking them out of playoff competition. The Warriors defeated Blake in their first playoff game 63-56 before falling to a talented group of Blue Devils (21-3) that displayed size, skill and athleticism on their way to victory. The Warriors outscored Springbrook by 3 points in the second half, but a 21-6 second quarter in favor of the Blue Devils proved too great a deficit for the Warriors to overcome. “We had too many turnovers and fouls in the first half,” said Coach Tim Gilchrist.

While Springbrook had all five starters score in double figures, the Warriors had only two players put up more than 4 points. Senior guard Xavier McCants led the team in scoring with 22 points, and senior center Hunter Moore added 16 points and 14 rebounds, but the lack of a third substantial scoring threat, a role fulfilled in past games by junior guard Tyrese Williams and/or senior Geremiah Charles, certainly contributed to the Warriors’ defeat, as the team managed just 12 points in the entire first half of the game. In addition, Springbrook shot 46 free throws in the contest, compared to only 17 for the Warriors, a statistic that characterizes less lopsided officiating and more the Blue Devils’ aggressiveness in attacking the basket and pursuing offensive rebounds.

The loss brings the Warriors’ record to 12-12 on the season, an equilibrium that belies the team’s struggle to find consistency over the course of the year. The Warriors experienced exciting victories as well as disappointing defeats: wins early in the season over rivals and county powerhouses Magruder and Springbrook, followed by losses against each team in the second match-up. The Warriors also lost a number of close games, with five losses decided by 3 points or less or in overtime.

On the whole, the Warriors can take pride in what they accomplished and look to take another step forward next year. “I felt like it was a great season with my teammates. We had great camaraderie, and we got to put a number up [division title], which was only the third one in school history,” said McCants. “I would have liked to put up a region or state title, but hopefully the younger guys will be able to next year.”

Gilchrist expressed a similar sentiment: “[We] rose to every challenge and never gave up or quit … We have a team of winners, and these young men will be successful with any endeavor they choose.”