Boys Basketball Wrap-Up 1/3/17: Elmira-Notre Dame

The conclusion of the Holiday Break for Trumansburg varsity boys basketball players included a late Christmas gift, being a Watkins Glen Holiday Tournament victory, as the Raiders beat the Lansing Bobcats to claim the championship. The Raiders did win the tournament, however, they played some sketchy basketball and were not solid offensively or defensively. The theme for this Raiders team has been a lack of passion, as they are unable to use their strengths to dominate opponents. The tournament win was an accomplishment for this team, but they players knew they had a tougher upcoming schedule, in which they would have to play significantly better basketball.

Tuesday brought a big night for Trumansburg basketball, as they would face off against the Elmira Notre Dame Crusaders. The JV team got the night started off in a positive way as they came out firing against the Crusaders. At halftime the score was 26-8, with the Raiders leading in almost every stat in the book. During the halftime discussion, Coach Meyers said that he was "loving the way" that the team was playing, but he also reminded them that there were two quarters remaining and that the score could easily be flipped if his Raider battalion did not press the attack like the proceeded to do in the first half. Trumansburgs grip did not loosen, as they ended up pummeling the Elmira side 52-25, with sophomores Kameron Lincoln and Josiah Lopez combining for 37 of the teams 52. Congrats on a fantastic win boys!

The tough upcoming schedule kicked off when the varsity Raiders were finally back home against the 5-2, Crusaders. The varsity squad were eager to go up against the rival Notre Dame team, as they made it a goal to go out with focus and intensity. This team did not disappoint as they would show the dynamic team they are capable of being, by acting swiftly and effectively in all aspects on the court. A slow start found the Raiders being down 12-7, but then the Raiders pushed the ball, creating fast break chances that converted to easy buckets. Luke Richards and Andrew Stewart found junior Jake Shelley multiple times, as Shelley would score 17 points in the first half. The usual barrage of points by senior Austin Grunder were quiet in the first half, but when the second half rolled around Grunder would score 19 points, giving him 30 on the night. Grunder and Shelley combined for 51 of the teams 75 points. Jack English also added 5 points and a few assists. Up next for the varsity team is a rematch with the Lansing Bobcats on Friday, in Trumansburg. Come out and support the Trumansburg team!