The Manual boys’ basketball team (1-0) and girls’ basketball team (0-1) will travel to long time rival, Male High School tonight, Friday Nov. 30. The girls will tip off at 6 p.m. followed by the boys at 7:30 p.m.
Last week, the girls’ team lost their first game of the season to the Eastern Lady Eagles 54-63 while the boys’ team won their season opener 63-58 against Eastern.
Manual boys’ three keys to winning
- Get more threes
Manual got away with a victory against Eastern despite only two players, Louis Yang (12, #20) and Parker Smith (10, #21), shooting three-pointers.
Expanding the floor and shooting the ball will allow Manual to do what they do best, score in the paint. Manual has an elite height advantage this year and will be key to spreading the floor.
2. Hit the boards
Manual hit the boards hard last game, grabbing a team total of 29 rebounds. Using their height to their advantage to gain even more rebounds could be key to winning today’s game.
Manual’s unique team of strong, big and quick guards who make rebounds could be even more important. Crashing the defensive side and moving the ball up the court quickly will aid in defeating Male’s always athletic and ready team.
3. Play smarter
With 15 personal fouls and two blocks last game, Manual didn’t guard the paint efficiently. This might strategy might work against a shorter, less athletic Eastern team but it won’t fly when we’re matched against Male.
Cutting down on fouls and being smarter in the paint will allow the Crimsons to cut down some of Male’s wings and guards to defend the outside with confidence.
Who to watch
Crimson Eli Roberts (11, #24) is one to watch this season. Roberts scored a team high of 22 points on 67% shooting in the game against Eastern. Using his elite strength and size will be key for future Manual wins.
Parker Smith (10, #21), the athletic guard quietly put up 10 points and hit a three-pointer in their season opener. The shifty player continued to play with confidence and was key in Manual’s win against Eastern.
