The AE/MS middle school basketball teams completed its 2012-2013 season with a great deal of excitement and fun. The teams capped of their season with a celebration night with the parents.
Sunapee Lakers
The Sunapee Lakers came to town. The AE/MS girls started the night off well, at the end of the first half trailing by only six points. With great shooting from Kaitlyn French and Kate Barton, the Lady Eagles pulled within two points. But in the end, the well-skilled Sunapee team was too much for our girls, and they end the night with a 32 to 42 loss.
The AE/MS boys came ready to play. With great defense by Kevin Barry and rebounding and leadership from Matt Braley and Hunter Bonk, the game remained very close.
With 9.9 seconds left on the clock, the team was down by one point. Matt Braley drove the lane and was fouled. Matt was able to tie the game and send it into overtime.
The boys went into an overtime game without their leading scorer of the night, Matt Braley, who had fouled out of the game with 2.2 seconds left of regulation time. The Eagles where not done. With a lot of heart and hustle, they rallied to a victory led by a hard-charging Kevin Barry, who scored the points needed to keep us on top. What a great win for the boys!
Indian River
The second game of the week was against Indian River Middle School. The AE/MS girls started the night a little flat, getting behind by 12 points in the first quarter. The Lady Eagles charged back to within two points by the end of the third quarter.
With our two leading scorers of Kaitlyn French and Kate Barton, the ladies were able to pull ahead in the fourth quarter, and they never looked back. The Heart and Hustle award goes out to Kenzie Emeny for her fantastic defense – without her 16 steals, the girls would not have been able to pull off such a great victory.
The AE/MS boys played well in the first half, staying with a good, skilled defensive team. Leading scorer Matt Braley putting in two three-pointers helped bring the boys close in the third quarter. But in the end, the boys lost steam and watched as Indian River pulled away to give them a heart-breaking loss.
Goshen Lempster
The Andover Eagles played their final game of the season against Goshen Lempster. The AE/MS girls took the floor with a lot of excitement. Goshen Lempster jumped out to an early lead. The girls battled back in the second half, but in the end fell short. They showed a lot of heart and hustle in the second half.
The boys started a little slow but turned it around in the second quarter, gaining the lead and never looking back. With great passing and hustle on defense, the boys ended the season with another win.
The season ended on a very high note for both teams. The boys’ coaches noticed the improvement in the team’s defense and solid offense that pushed them forward to show growth in the teams abilities on the court. Coaching staff was very impressed with their team’s work ethic in practice to improve their basketball skills.
The girls had a very successful season. They did this with a true team effort. Each member on the team contributed to a successful season. With great sportsmanship and hustle, the girls team had an enjoyable season to watch.
Kids vs. Parents
Both teams finished the season with their traditional challenge game against the parents. This was followed by a pot-luck dinner and awards ceremony. The games were filled with smiles and fun. The celebration was capped off with awards presented to the teams for completing a season full of growth and success. Way to go, Eagles!
The Andover basketball coaches would like to thank the fabulous parents for all their help in making this another great season for the students.