Bermuda’s Under 19 National Basketball team fell 60 – 45 in their warm up game against Central Peel Secondary School.
The Bermuda Under 19’s came out a bit hesitant running the offense and rushed a number of their shots to start the game. Defensively, they were unable to keep Central Peel off the offensive boards as Central Peel took advantage of its size matchups, this allowed them to take an early 18-5 lead at the end of the first quarter.
After shaking off the first game jitters and several substitutions in the 2nd quarter, Bermuda was able to execute its offense more effectively and finished the quarter scoring 10 points and only allowed Central Peel to score 12 points as they took a 30-15 lead into the break.
In the 2nd half, after some adjustments prompted by Head Coach Kent Tacklyn, Bermuda was determined to mount a comeback.
The Bermuda team was more aggressive offensively, not settling for the 3 point shot, but attacking the basket for higher percentage shots.
Bermuda captain Jorel Smith led the charge, scoring 7 of his team leading 19 points in the 3rd quarter.
Defensively, Bermuda did a better job rebounding and because of that were able to push the ball in transition which led to layup and free throw opportunities and they would outscore Central Peel 15-13 in the 3rd quarter.
Bermuda was able to cut the lead down to 10 points thanks to a few timely steals and improved rebounding in the final quarter. A determined De-Nyi Thomas who scored 15 point accounted for 11 of Bermuda's 15 fourth quarter points on aggressive drives to the basket.
Unfortunately a few ill-timed shots and some late game mental errors cost Bermuda a chance to cut into the lead and they would go down 60-45
Other stand outs for the Bermuda team included Jacy Lowery and Leano Ming.
