On Tuesday night, Manual’s varsity boys basketball beat the Seneca Redhawks, 81-56, in the first round of the Republic Bank Louisville Invitational Tournament.
First Half:
Manual got the ball to start out the game following tip-off with Malachi Coleman (#3, 12) scoring the first point of the game.
Seneca defended well from Manual’s offense and Seneca’s Prestyn Wheatley (#12, 9) scored multiple points on the Crimsons.
After Seneca fouled a few minutes later, the Manual offense made a three-pointer. This made the score 11-7, with Seneca having the early lead.
Seneca then had several more shots on the Crimsons increasing their lead, but not before fouling.
Manual’s Mark Woods (#15, 11) then stepped up to the free throw line making his free throw. The score was then 16-10, with Seneca still in the lead.
Later in the first half, Manual’s Deshawn McGee (#23, 11) made a three-pointer, riling up the Crimsons’ bench and crowd.
Then, Justice Decker (#1, 12) made another three-pointer, exciting fans even more.
Manual’s Noah Smith (#2, 12) attempted an unsuccessful three-pointer, but it was rebounded by Ahmad Shelton (#11, 11). The score was 25-22 with the Crimsons finally in the lead.
Towards the end, Manual’s Decker made another shot to finish off the half.
The Crimsons eventually came back to take the lead, beating Seneca 29-26 heading into halftime.
Second Half:
To start out the third quarter, Manual’s Smith and Shelton both made shots to get the start of the second half going.
Seneca then fouled, and Manual’s Decker stepped up to the line where he made his free throws as a result. This made the score 39-32, with Manual still in the lead.
Then, Decker and Coleman both had two point shots and McGee shot a three-point shot, all of which increased their lead, making the score 50-34.
Manual’s Coleman got the ball passed to him a little while later, making his shot.
“The mentality for the game was to survive and advance, win this game to be able to see another,” Coleman said.
Seneca then fouled Manual multiple times. Decker, Woods and Coleman all made their free throws. Their points expanded the Crimson’s lead to 61-37.
Later, Manual fouled Seneca’s Wheatley who stepped up to the line and made both of his free throws. The score was then 67-43, with Manual still in the lead.
Towards the end, Seneca fouled Manual yet again. Leslie Hall (#33, 10) made both of his free throws following the call.
Hall then took the ball and made another shot.
The game ended with a Manual win of 81-56.
“Starting in the second quarter we turned up our intensity and were able to win the game so I’m proud of that and ready for the next game,” Coleman said.
