Things began to look brighter for the Silver Eagles but the clock was still not in their favor. The lead was ever so narrow, but they were trailing. With under a minute to go Monona Grove exerted a full-court press that was immediately vindicated by acquiring ball possession. Portage assembled their zone defense that took the look of man-to-man once the ball found its way into the lane. With the clock and the opportunity to make “State” evaporating, the Silver Eagles executed deliberate and misleading passes. The ball went from the wing to the corner and the Portage defense classically shifted to isolate the man with the ball.
Being suffocated in the corner, the guard threw the ball to Witte at the top of the key. The defenders immediately charged him but he pump-faked, went left and penetrated. Portage’s big men down low – and it was now one-on-two. Witte went up for a fake shot and passed to his man on the block who was open for a clean lay-up – and an upset victory for the Silver Eagles.
(To be continued)
Chodesh Tov – have a pleasant month!