Outside The County-Maconaquah

Results from Maconaquah for Friday, February 9th

Boys Varsity Basketball beats Southwood Jr-Sr 77 – 67

The Braves went on the road and beat Southwood in a big TRC game. The win puts the Braves at 5-1 in the TRC. The Braves are 13-4 overall. The Braves have a busy week with Northfield (TRC) at home on Tuesday. Then, at Manchester on Friday. They are 7-0 in the TRC. We close the weekend with our Senior Night vs CMA. This exciting season is winding down. Make sure you get out and support this team.

Coach Burrus Quotes:”We battled hard at Southwood to pull out the win. I felt Southwood showed their improvement by really giving us a tough game. Josiah Ball is guarded by everyone but the managers but still finds a way. He scored 30 and was usually splitting two, and then facing a big. One of our real positives is how these guys get shots close to the basket. This team has worked hard on driving for a high percentage shot inside, passing for the higher percentage shot, offensive rebounding, or running our break. This game we were 29-51 from 2 point. Rick Clark always said the team getting the most layups usually wins. Unless you can really shoot 3’s, going to the basket gets you to the line, too. Late in the game AJ Kelly could have settled for 3’s. No, he went to the rim. He had big buckets late in the game. AJ played fearless basketball. He finds a path to the rim!!! He was clutch.

I also wanted to mention Ethan Zeiser. He had a drive in the first half where he was fouled, and fell hard on his back. Kaden Miller came in for him and drained both free throws. That is team stuff right there. Zeiser was hurting but he gutted it out. He battled hard for us. He hit a baseline shot that was big in the 4th quarter. We needed his 9 points, 7 rebounds, and 2 steals.

MJ Ellis was big again off the bench. 11 huge rebounds and 7 points. He also blocked 5 shots which totally changed the game. Having a shot blocker really makes the other team question going to the basket. Also, when they do go to the basket how they are going to finish. Game Changer!

Fuddy Kile had 11 points, 3 rebounds, 3 assists, 1 block, and 1 steal. Fuddy is one of the leaders of our team in assists, steals, and rebounds. He has been playing on a bad ankle sprain. I appreciate his effort. He is not 100% but has been giving us all he has. By the way, his little throw off the glass to Ball for the dunk… not in our playbook. Fuddy stuff.

Oakley Reeser has really came in and helped our team this year. He has been very determined. He has been another weapon for us. I believe he has hit double digits in made 3’s. He works very hard out front and uses his length. I have really enjoyed watching Oakley improve over the course of the season.

I wanted to mention Braxton Birner this week. He didn’t get in against Southwood but Birner is a positive part of this team. He is one of the most decorated quarterbacks in our history. I appreciate him just being part of our team. Braxton works hard in practice and pushes everyone to get better.

I mentioned Kaden Miller earlier. He gave us good minutes against Southwood. He is slowly getting back. We love his work ethic and determination. He will continue to make progress. The Southwood game was a big step forward for Kaden.

Thanks for reading and coming to the game. Brave Nation was loud and present.

Go Braves!!!”

Ball 30pts 10reb 5ast

Kelly 15pts 5reb 2ast 3st

Kile 11pts 3reb 3ast 1bl 1st

Zeiser 9pts 7reb 2st

Ellis 7pts 11reb 5bl 2st

Reeser 3pts 2reb

Miller 2pts 2reb 2ast