Playoff tuneup not good for the 7th grade

The 7th grade boys are running out of time and more importantly, running out of answers on how to beat Friday night's opponent.

In a playoff preview, the 7th grade was dealt their third loss of the season, their second to the team they played Friday, 31-20.

It was a close 7-5 game midway through the 2nd quarter, but the other team was getting open looks at the basket from within the paint and from the outside. The other team built a lead and pushed it to 22-8 late in the 3rd quarter before the 7th graders made a mini run.

They drew to within 26-20, but got no closer.

Offensively, 20 points is not enough to win against good teams in their division, and especially not enough when their defense and rebounding struggled for the bulk of the game.

The peanut gallery, also known as the fans, could be heard yelling out criticisms like, "same team" and "grab it" all night long.

Communication and team chemistry is lacking for a team that is heading towards the post-season. They do not talk much on defense and therefore end up fighting for the same ball, something they did quite a few times.

Offensively, Raymond and Jason Ng are the only two that can create their own shots in the half court. The ball movement and cutting off the ball is pretty non-existent, so when Jason Ng and Raymond get shut down, their offense struggles.

They are a decent team on the fast break, but they don't convert the lay-ups when given the chance.

Both Thomas and Joseph had several chances to score on shots right by the basket, but both ended the game scoreless.

Garrick, who had 2 points, showed his normal hustle but he missed a crucial breakaway lay-up in the 4th quarter, which would've cut the other team's lead down to six at the time.

On the bright side, the 7th grade lives to see another day. Another day will be the team that has beaten them twice this season.

It doesn't get any easier as that playoff game will be in the other team's home gym.

In a not as big of a story since it has been done before, Aaron scored 2 points.