In a high-energy matchup Thursday night, the Manual boys’ JV team showed grit and tenacity but ultimately fell to the Ballard Bruins, 59-49.
First Half:
Ballard controlled much of the first half with disciplined tempo, sharp ball movement and defensive pressure that repeatedly forced Manual into rushed decisions. Manual struggled early with communication and fouling.
Ballard’s high press created transition opportunities, and Manual’s young roster had trouble settling into a rhythm on both ends of the floor. By halftime, the Bruins held a 38-20 lead.
Second Half:
Before the start of the second half, Manual came out of the locker room with noticeably higher intensity. Guards Eli Williams (#10, 9) and Dawson Speaks (#11, 9) pushed the pace, and the team began swinging the ball with purpose to find open three-point looks. A key defensive stop by Rhett Stearman (#3,10) sparked momentum and a late-third-quarter connection from Speaks to Williams cut Ballard’s lead to 41-27.
A technical foul on Manual temporarily halted the comeback, extending Ballard’s lead, but the Crimsons refused to fold. Throughout the fourth quarter, Manual played scrappy, aggressive defense, creating several steals that led to easy points in transition. Williams drilled another big three, Tony Wheat (#20, 10) carved up space inside for a much-needed layup and Speaks added an important short jumper that trimmed the deficit to single digits.
Manual’s surge continued with a three from Ethan Dyer (#13, 11) and a steal-and-score from Williams again. With under four minutes left, the Crimsons had narrowed the gap to 56-49. Ballard responded with key free throws and late stops to secure the win.
“I had to go with five or six guys that were playing with a little bit more energy and a little bit more heart and a little bit more fight. This game wasn’t about X’s and O’s. This came down to want, heart and effort,” head coach Jaelyn Maxey said.
Despite the loss, Maxey noted the valuable growth opportunities for his young team.
“We didn’t get the results we wanted, but we’ll be back to the drawing board,” he said. “We’ve got a lot of young guys. Ballard played a lot of older guys, so this was a good experience.”
Manual’s late push showed the team’s potential, and with continued development, especially on defense and communication, the Crimsons hope to turn effects into wins as the season progresses.
The teams next game will be Dec. 8, against Pleasure Ridge Park High School at 6:30 p.m.
