11.11.22

There was an atmosphere of excitement throughout the team as they prepared for the first fixture of the season. That environment quickly shifted as we entered the hall and realised our team was giving up a lot of size to the opponent. Even the usually imposing Mr. Bates was looking up for a change! This uncertainty contributed to a slow start, with Nova leveraging their size advantage into a commanding lead after the first quarter. However a break and a pep talk is all our brave players needed. As the team settled into a calmer tempo the dynamic A Avelino was given space to put in work with 4 straight points, followed by a clutch 3 from R Wootton to bring APS to within 7 points at the half (a very manageable deficit in basketball).

 

Unfortunately the second half began much as the first, with a strong counter punch by Nova, who capitalised on key turnovers on our part. APS remained almost scoreless throughout the whole of the second half, showing fatigue and highly questionable shot selection but never quitting. At the final whistle the score was 31-13 to Nova. Despite the lopsided result the lads put in a remarkable effort, overcoming an initial shock and going on to play an entertaining game in their first match together. MVP on our side by unanimous acclaim was local legend A Avelino who played all but 3 minutes of the entire game and scored a team high 7 points whilst often guarding Nova’s best player. R Wootton also chipped in with 5 important points. Please congratulate the team on a hard- fought game and encourage them for next week’s fixture at home vs Dorcan!