December 6, 2003 - New Paris

The Patriots stubbed their toe for the second night in a row against a very tough National Trail Blazers Boys Basketball Team. Trail is considered to be a top contender for the conference crown in the 2003-04 season. It was a night that belong to the Blazers from beginning to end in complete control of the game and an easy 53-37 victory.

Trail opened the scoring and jumped out to a 5-0 lead before the Patriots got on the board. The Patriots were using a 1-3-1 zone while National Trail was employing an aggressive man to man defense. The Patriots were playing hard and kept it close with the score at 10-7 with 2:20. But Trail started to pressure full court creating a few turnovers combined with a few offensive rebounds that lead to stickbacks the Patriots found themselves down 14-7 at the end of the quarter.

In the second quarter Tri-Village came out in their own man to man defense. A Jay basket along with a Burns 3 pointer and the score was 16-12 and it looked like the Patriots were back in the game. However, Trail went on their own run and the Patriot offense became cold leaving the Patriots down at the half 30-14.

The second half saw Trail pick up where they left off playing tough defense getting second shots while the Patriots were struggling trying to find an offensive rythm. Tri-Village couldn't find a way to get the ball into the post and without the inside game the outside game struggles. Meanwhile there was no answer for Trail's Senior Tony McWhinney an excellent athlete who can take it to the hole or hit the outside shot. Trail also appeared to be much more physical and stronger on the inside.

The Blazers played about as well as a team could play. In order for the Patriots to compete and win they have to get better. "We didn't play as well as we are capable of playing," said Coach Falknor. "This team doesn't have any easy tasks ahead we have to play our best game every night in order to compete." We'll have to learn from the last couple of nights and pick up our intensity in practice to get better." It is difficult to simulate that kind of intensity in practice but hopefully we have learned something from the last two games." We'll get better, we have to get better," commented Falknor.

Trail takes the win 53-37 but the Patriots will get another shot at National Trail. The next time the game has more at stake as it will be a conference game. The Patriots will need to find a way to handle pressure, limit turnovers and springboard their offense. It all starts by bringing intensity onto the floor from the tip-off, Go Patriots!

TV will resume action Friday, December 12 at Ansonia for another league contest. Ansonia will be no easy task and is sure to be another challenger for the Cross County Conference.

Box Score
Tri-Village
#5 - Fisherback - 5
#15 - Foreman - 2
#23 - Bailey - 7
#24 - Burns - 11
#50 - Jay - 12
Totals - 37

National Trail
#12 - 3
#14 - 8
#24 - 1
#32 - 2
#34 - 2
#40 - 5
#42 - 20
#44 - 12
Totals - 53