Friday, December 6, 2024
Record: 3-0
“Let’s not blow it like last year.” Proclaimed Spencer Clark, a Team Manager.
Coach Eric Thomas did not take kindly to this remembrance. Thomas felt last year’s John Rhodes championship loss was the worst of his career. He vowed not to lose again to Dublin, and he didn’t.
The young Dons advanced in the John Rhodes tournament by beating the Dublin Gaels 48 to 46. The Dons now sit at 3-0.
The first quarter featured two well coached teams playing aggressive defense. Dublin controlled the opening tipoff, but the Dons scored first. Jackson Boselli, shooting guard, hit a three pointer. The visiting team answered, yet our Don’s responded with a mini run of their own. A three pointer by Bryce Mansour made the score 9-2 in favor of Acalanes. Yet, the Gaels responded with nine straight points. Acalanes 9, Dublin 11. The JV Dons were starting to unravel. Coach Thomas turned to Ben Mickelson. Ben, number 21, calmed down his teammates and quickly scored. The two teams exchanged scores to end the quarter.
After the first quarter, Dublin led Acalanes 14 to 13.
In the second quarter, Acalanes quickly recaptured the lead. Anthony Heglie made a nice floater for a basket. This lead vanished quickly with a Dublin three pointer. Sean Khouw’s layup even the score. The teams then continued to exchange baskets. Nolan Potts hit a three pointer. Dublin responded with a mini run. Sam Phillips ended the quarter’s scoring with two fouls shot. Yet, the Dons still trailed their guests by one point.
At halftime, it was Dublin 25, Acalanes 24.
The hard-fought contest continued for the third quarter. One team would score only to have the score answered by its’ opponent. Shea Stahl’s mid-range shot briefly put the Dons ahead. But a powerful inside move by Dublin put the Gaels back in front. Sam Phillips, one of three Acalanes captains, led a scoring run of five points. The Dons were up by four points. Dublin again responded with a run of their own. The quarter ended with Dublin scoring six straight points.
After three quarters, it was Dublin 37, Acalanes 35.
The fourth quarter showed the true talent and character of the home team. Dublin opened the final period with a layup which extended their lead to four points. The Dons counterpunched with four straight points. Shea Stahl and Jon MacLeod each contributed baskets to keep the Dons in the game.
Each team wanted to win, and each team deserved the victory. An epic game needs a hero to emerge, and that hero was Jackson Boselli. After the Dons went ahead by one point, Jackson stole the ball and scored a layup. Dons up by three points. Dublin answered with a sweet back door pass to cut the lead back to one point, but with little time remaining, the Gaels had to foul. Of course, the Gaels fouled the hometown hero, Jackon, who calmly sank a free throw.
Game over. Acalanes 48. Dublin 46.
Coach Thomas had his revenge. He further reminded Spencer Clark not to doubt the heart and spirit of a Don. Spencer, known as Bee Rabbit in the Lafayette music community, agreed. Da Rabbit also accepted his demotion to team’s mascot gracefully.
Jon MacLeod provided this insight into how the Dons won the game. The young center stated.
“Their technical foul on Ben (Mickleson) really got us upset. We saw our teammate go down, needed our support, and we needed to win as a team.”
The team of destiny will continue its journey in the John Rhodes championship game.
Come out and support your Dons!
Reported by: Spencer (Bee Rabbit) and Steve Clark