8th grade physically dominated on boards, lose by 3

You can't win if you can't rebound. The 8th grade did not rebound, therefore the 8th grade lost.

The final score was 30-27.

In their first game of the regular season, the 8th grade was a step slow to the ball, did not box out, and were outworked.

If not for a 10-0 run in the last two minutes and change, the margin of defeat would've been in the double digits.

What makes this a little more frustrating is their lack of energy in the first three quarters, and their station to station approach.

Besides Justin, nobody did anything until the final few minutes of the game. And by then, it was way too late.

Justin had 8 of the team's 11 points in the first half and finished with a game high 12 points.

Down 30-17 with a little over two minutes to play, Brendan hit a free throw, which preceded back-to-back 3 pointers by Daniel and Moises, which cut the lead to 30-23.

After Justin hit a field goal, the 8th grade got the back back down five. Moises was fouled and went to the line for a 1-in-1 with 2.1 seconds left and hit both, trimming the deficit to 3 points. But there wasn't enough time on the clock as the other team ran out the clock and escaped with a win.

Although not the end of the world, this was a game the 8th grade needed to win, because their opponent is not considered one of the better teams in the division. In an eight game season, every win or loss can make or break the season. So it'll be an uphill climb starting with their next game in about a week.

Uphill was how the 8th grade had to play all night because they couldn't rebound.

They went into the 2nd quarter tied at 7-7, but it was the hustle points that put the 8th grade behind 14-11 at halftime.

The lack of rebounds continued to torment them in the 3rd quarter when the other team stretched their lead out to 9 points.

Collectively, every player on the court did not come up with a crucial loose ball or a big rebound when they needed it. The second chance points really did the 8th grade in Friday night.

Height wise, they are not a big team, but they do have some strong bodies down low. Both Brendan and Daniel are more than capable of being physical. Brandon K. and Moises both have decent height, but none of them are willing to commit to getting a body on someone and get the ball at all costs.

There was a player on the other team that was committed and he was the difference in the game. #34 was flying everywhere and seemed to chase down rebound after rebound. He too played the bulk of the game, if not the entire 28 minutes, but still looked fresh during crunch time.

Midway through the third, the 8th graders looked battered and tired.

Offensively, they are going to need more production from everybody but most notably Daniel, who was held to 1 point until he hit his three late in the game.

Brandon Tom, who hit a few big shots in the tournament was held scoreless.

Brandon K. missed two wide open lay-ups and Brendan also missed a shot right by the basket off a nice feed from Justin. All those missed opportunities loom large, especially when a team loses by three.

Brendan hustled for all four quarters but because he moves so awkwardly on the court, he only came up with the ball a few times. His balance is not very good and he tumbles all over the gym floor on a game to game basis. If he can control his body a little more, he'll be extremely valuable to the team, which needs as many possessions in a game that it can get.

There are only 6 players on the team currently, and their head coach James will not be with the team for the first three games. He is overseas in Asia.