MINT HILL, NC – The Independence Patriots had themselves a nice bounce back victory against the Hopewell Titans 60-55 in a well played basketball game on Tuesday night. The team is now 4-2 on the season and has a huge non-conference game Friday night when perennial East Division powerhouse from Raleigh, Cardinal Gibbons comes into ” The Pit” Friday night December 10. This game should be a big test for the Patriots and building block for the remainder of the season.
In a game where the Patriots started out strong taking a nice 22-13 lead in the first period with some solid offensive scoring and much improved defense. Guard Bryce Brooks led the Patriots charge with 6 points scoring on strong moves to the basket, Tosh Alberga came off the bench as the sixth man tonight adding 5 points, Kameron Jasper scored 3 along with Ralph Johnson to lead the scoring for Independence.
In the second period, the teams exchanged baskets, but the Patriots were able to maintain their 9 point advantage by the intermission. The Pats missed out on an opportunity to take a double digit lead when a layup was missed going in the net, but spun around rolling off the rim as the buzzer sounded to end the first half.
During the third period the Titans outscored the Patriots 17-10 cutting the home teams advantage to five points at 47-43. The Patriots had too many turnovers when the visitors applied a full court press, and the guards overdribbled forcing mistakes and getting boxed in along the sidelines. After a timeout by Coach Preston Davis, this was corrected and settled things down giving the Patriots a much needed breather to remain focused on the upcoming fourth period.
In the final period with the adjustments made, better passing, improved ball movement along with a stronger defensive effort, the Patriots took control of the basketball game especially down the stretch holding on to a slim a 58-55 lead with 14.6 seconds remaining in the contest. The Patriots defense came up big with a strong rebound, and followed with an outlet pass by Brooks the home team scored on a fast break layup to nail down the victory.
This was a much-improved effort by the Patriots, and the coaching staff made some necessary adjustments getting more of their bigger players involved beyond Johnson, which included Alberga, Jared Taylor, and Sabastian Taylor who gave Independence a slim size advantage and more muscle under the boards. They also made a positive contribution by scoring 22 points combined in the game giving this team a boost and some swagger.
Brooks led the scoring with 16 points, Alberga 11, Johnson 8, Dyshawn Taylor 8, Sabastian Taylor 6, Jared Taylor 5, and Kaezon Bryant 5.
