December 30 – Eureka, MO – Free Throws were the difference on Tuesday afternoon as the Bombers 6th Grade Ashby team fell 21-19 to the Flyers of Lindbergh in the championship game of the Eureka Holiday Hoopfest.
The Flyers had put up an average of 42 points in their first two tournament games before squaring off against the tournament’s leading defense through two games. The Bombers had given up the fewest points in the tournament as they entered the title game against the Flyers.
Known for their offensive efficiency running the Read and Reach offensive system, the Flyers were slowed down from the opening tip. The Bombers protected the lane and refused to let cutters get open layups. Four of the Flyers ten first half points had to come from free throw line due to the relentless defense of the Bombers.
The Bombers also managed to post 10 first half points on the shoulders of 4 first half points from Luke L. and two points each from Peyton V., Gage K. and Joey M.
The Flyers jumped out to a fast start in the second half getting five points in the first 90 seconds. An offensive rebound led to an easy put back and a steal led to a transition basket and foul for a traditional 3 point play to give the Flyers a 15-10 lead.
The Flyers would extend their led 19-12, going 4 for 4 from the line before the Bombers sped the game up with their full court pressure. Jackson K. was able to pick off the Flyers twice in a span of two minutes. The extra possessions produced additional chances for Luke L. on the secondary break. The Flyers didn’t have an answer for the Bombers speed on the wing, allowing Luke L. to rack up 8 points on the day.
The Bombers started moving the ball better on offensive finding Jackson K. twice around the basket. Jackson K. made an off balance left handed layup, followed by a reverse layup from under the basket after Joey. M. found Jackson slipping away from his defender. Joey M. added another point from the charity stripe and the Bombers had tied the game.
After numerous unsuccessful attempts breaking the Bombers full court pressure, the Flyers were able to advance the ball against the press to find Flyers Center, #13, in the front court for ultimately the deciding layup.
Key to the Flyers win was their performance from the free throw line, going 9 for 14 for the game. The Bombers converted 3 of 11 from the free throw line during the game.
The Bombers 6th Grade Ashby are back in action Sunday, January 4th at St. Charles West High School when they play St. Charles West at 3pm and Frye’s Eagles at 6pm.
