Boys’ basketball advances to regional championship

Brendan+Shene+contesting+layup+by+Demetrius+White.+Photo+by+Meredith+Snyder

Brendan Shene contesting layup by Demetrius White. Photo by Meredith Snyder

Aliyah Lang
March 25, 2021

Last night, Manual (11-7) defeated Male (8-3) 68-62 in the Seventh Regional Tournament semifinals.

First half:

Early in the first quarter Brendan Shene (#32, 12) who averages 11.3 points and 9 rebounds was benched due to early foul trouble, only playing a total of eight minutes in the first half. 

Male went on a 13-2 run to close out the first quarter leading Manual 21-13. 

To begin the second quarter Koji Anderson (#2, 11) and Damone King (#21, 9) created key defensive plays which lead to Male turnovers. Throughout the first half, the Crimsons scored 11 points from turnovers. 

Concluding the first half, Manual brings the game within three points (29-26) outscoring Male in the second quarter.

Second half: 

Continuing their momentum at the end of the first half, Manual took their first lead since early in the first quarter with a score of 30-29 and 5:53 left in the third quarter.

Shene scores back-to-back baskets for the Crimsons late in the third quarter following an assist by Anderson and a steal with a score of 38-38.

With 1:30 left in the third quarter, Male went on a 5-0 run ending the third quarter with a 43-38 lead. 

Opening the fourth quarter a hook shot from Jawuan Northington (#23, 11) and two free throws from Damone King brought the Crimsons within one point (43-42).  

Throughout the remainder of the fourth quarter, the score was back and forth between the two teams ending regulation tied 58-58. 

Overtime:

The Crimsons went on a 10-4 run against Male in overtime including a steal by Shene finishing with a layup and Parker Smith (#5, 12) scoring four points within 13 seconds giving Manual the lead of 67-62.

With a final score of 68-62, Manual wins their first semifinals game since 2015 and will play the winner of Ballard-Trinity in the Seventh Regional Championship Saturday at 3.