The second game of the Saturday, November 2nd double-header at Insports Arena in Trumbull, CT had a much different outcome than the first. Phoenix got a 5 hour break between games and came out refreshed and ready to run against CT Elite II who had won their earlier game.
Phoenix needed a big win in order to advance to the semi-final round and they got it by scoring a season high 57 points to CT Elite's 34. Phoenix's fast break and full-court press eventually took a toll on CT Elite and by the end of the game Phoenix was scoring at will.
One of the chief reasons for Phoenix's impressive offensive performance was the unselfish play of Tristan Joseph. Tristan assumed floor general duties and helped make big plays by putting the ball into the hands of his teammates who were in scoring position.
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Tristan Joseph put up 6 points, but it was his 7 rebounds, 4 assists, 2 blocked shots and 5 steals that made a huge difference.
Derric Andrews led Phoenix with an impressive 14 points, 2 rebounds, a blocked shot and 3 steals.
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Callum McNear impressed, too. He scored 12 points, grabbed 6 rebounds and had a steal.
Logan Troeger put in another solid performance by scoring 10 points, grabbing a stellar 14 rebounds, blocked a shot and had 2 steals.
Zarek Swetye scored a season high 9 points, had 4 rebounds, 2 assists, a blocked shot and 2 steals.
Teddy Brennan hit a beautiful 15 foot jumper, grabbed 3 rebounds, had an assist and a steal.
Sam Hadlow scored a field goal, got 2 rebounds and had a steal.
Gavin Connolly lit up the board with a field goal, grabbed an impressive 4 rebounds, had an assist and a steal.
Jack Buckner had 4 rebounds and a steal, but his stats don't reflect his contribution. He used his quickness to force several turnovers and he moved the ball into the offensive zone quickly after grabbing his defensive rebounds which helped catch CT Elite off guard and allowed Phoenix to score easily.
The 23 point differential helped Phoenix win their bracket and rocketed them into the playoff round where they would face their nemesis -- Premier Hoops Development I (PHD). A win would put Phoenix in the Championship.
Looking to avenge a one point loss at the hands of PHD two weeks earlier, Phoenix had one thing on their mind -- earning a trip to the Championship.
To be continued...
