Camelot held off a scrappy Jessie’s Brook 2nd Ward in a low scoring, emotionally charged game to win 38-36 and move on to the Final Four.
Jessie’s Brook 2nd started off hot, jumping out to an early 8-2 lead. Meanwhile, Camelot was ice-cold from the field, missing 8 of their first 9 shot attempts, and committing four turnovers.
Things started to get a little chippy with about 7 minutes left in the first half, when Brandon Milner took an elbow from a Jessie’s Brook player. After the two got tangled on the very next possession, two quick fouls were called, and things got heated. A couple more rough exchanges in the span of just a few minutes, and players from both sides began chirping at the officials and each other. It was during this time that Camelot went on a 13-3 run, going up by four.
Play became so aggressive that the officials ended the 1st half with 1:30 left to allow for both teams to cool down with an extended halftime. Camelot went into intermission with a 15-11 lead.
During halftime, Camelot was able to regain their composure and put together a good game plan to neutralize the aggressive play of Jessie’s Brook.
Camelot, with a height advantage, began to pound the ball down low to its big men, Tyler Colston and Jacob Hernandez, who were able to get good looks at the basket and draw fouls.
Camelot held a 35-30 lead with less than 3 minutes left and looked to be in control. But, a loose ball scramble after a Jessie’s Brook miss, allowed them to regain possession, and kicked it to an open man in the corner that nailed an open 3 pointer to cut the lead to 35-33.
Jessie’s Brook began to full-court press and were able to get some turnovers, but couldn’t convert any open looks. With less than a minute left, they began fouling to prevent Camelot from running out the clock, and put Camelot on the line. For the game, Camelot shot only 41.6% from the charity stripe, but hit the big free throws when needed.
After a controversial out of bounds call, Jessie’s Brook was given the ball with just 3 seconds left. They had one last chance to win it with a 3 pointer, but it clanked off the front of the rim as the buzzer sounded. The 38-36 final score was the lowest total among all games during the regular season and in the tournament.
Camelot had an off day, shooting 32.5% from the floor, including 22.7% from 3, but managed to survive and advance. After making it to the championship game last year, a disappointed Jessie’s Brook team will look to rebound next season.
Tyler Colson led Camelot with 12 points, 8 rebounds, and 4 blocks on 4 of 5 shooting, including 2 of 2 from beyond the arc. The win was a total team effort as all ten Camelot players played in the game, each contributing key rebounds, steals, and baskets.
Game Notes:
Camelot is undefeated when leading at the half this year.
The 3rd seeded Camelot will face off against 2nd seeded Meadow Brook on March 16th at 10am. This will be a rematch from a February 1st meeting when Meadow Brook narrowly defeated a short-handed Camelot team 49-45.
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