EDGE ATHLETICS

The Edge 12u West won their pool and advanced to the finals by defeating the Rockland Royals 62-37 in a pool crossover game.  The Rockland Royals, also won their pool, posting a 2-1 record.  The two teams squared off for the second time of the day at Sacred Heart School to compete for the overall Championship.  In that game, The Royals were determined to show they could compete with the Edge.  The Royals played a great first half, out rebounding the Edge while scoring most of their points in transition.  “We had a hard time getting back on defense,” said coach Santoro.  “I knew this would be a different type of game the second time around.  It’s very difficult to beat a team twice in the same day,” added Santoro.  Tied at 28-28 at the half, the Edge defense finally kicked in.  Midway through the second half, the Edge started to pull away.  Their full court pressure proved too much for the Royals as the Edge broke the game open down the stretch, posting a 64-48 victory.  “We were a little sluggish the first half,” Santoro said.  “I told our boys that they need to focus defensively in order to get the offense working.”  The Edge forced five consecutive turnovers late in the second half, all of which converted to easy points. Championship T-shirts were awarded to all of the athletes.

The 13u team also earned their championship T’s by defeating BC Eagles in the third and final game of the weekend.  With only one bracket for this division, the third game decided the championship.  After a slow start, the 13u Edge were able to get on track, with good ball pressure and help defense.  Offensively, the Edge boys moved the ball extremely well racking up 16 assists in total for the game.  “Even though its sometimes expected with this group, their work ethic and unselfishness always seem to impress us,” coach Santoro said.  Coach Verdis was also impressed with the teams offensive effort today.  “I think these kids are ready for some advanced offensive concepts,” Verdis said.  “We have three weeks to practice for our next tournament and I think its important that we challenge them,” he added.  That challenge will begin this Tuesday as the 13u regroups to prepare for their next game.

In other action, the 12u East won their first game of the season in an overtime thriller.  Tied at 24-24 with two seconds remaining in regulation, a last second shot attempt from half court by the Edge fell short sending the game into overtime.  In the next three minute overtime period, the Edge played solid defense and were able to control the boards.  Chris O’Neill, Argent Reddy, and Alex Flynn all went to the foul line with under a minute to go in overtime, each knocking down one of two, sealing the 31-26 victory.

Late news from the 17u team.  No score, but coach Kutchma reported defeating the Hoops Express by more than 30 points. They will play in the championship game later this afternoon.  The 11u dropped their final game of the weekend by 5. No other reports were available at the time of this posting.

Congratulations to all of the teams in action this weekend.  Great performances by all!