Corals Show Their True Colors With Dramatic Win over Blues

With the game and potentially first place on the line, the Corals managed to show their true colors on the basketball court.

Jamie Mordas led a balanced attack, registering eight points and 10 rebounds as the Corals escaped with a 25-23 win over the Blues in Thursday night’s showdown at Wayland High School.

Currently, the Corals stand at 6-1 overall and are in a virtual lock with the Blacks for first place in the inaugural summer league. The Blues, who have lost three straight games by a combined total of six points, fell to 2-5.

“It was a very competitive game,’’ said point guard Ben Shelton, a recent graduate of Wayland High School, who recorded two points while dishing out 12 assists. “It was a game that could’ve gone either way, but we were able to hang tough and finish things out in the end. It was a huge win for the team because it puts us at (6-1) and it gives us great position for the playoffs.”

While the Corals are in the midst of a successful run, they’ve also dedicated their season to friend and fellow Wayland High School classmate Lauren Astley, who was tragically murdered in early July.

In the game’s opening frame, both teams traded baskets before the Corals nailed a pair of baseline jumpers en route to a 5-3 lead. After a 2-0 run by the Blues tied the contest at 5-5, Mordas sank a pair of put backs from down low, as the Corals regained the lead at 7-5.

“It’s really all about team chemistry,’’ said Shelton. “We all knew each other, and most of us played high school basketball together. Even though it’s summer, and things are a little different, there’s that certain amount of chemistry that really keeps this team together.”

Guided by Shelton and Mordas, the Corals maintained their edge and grabbed a 14-11 lead before the Blues stormed back with a 3-1 run to tie the contest at 15-15.

“They (Blues) came out and played us hard,’’ said Mordas. “We both fought for every loose ball, and it was a fight to the finish. Everybody is out there having fun, but at the same time it was a very competitive game.”

Throughout the next several minutes, both teams continued to exchange leads before the Corals executed a 3-0 run. A put back by Mordas handed the Corals a slim 19-18 lead before a pair of 18-foot jumpers paved the way for a 21-18 edge. A lay-up by the Blues closed the gap to 21-19 before a pair of outside jump shots regained momentum for the Corals.

Facing a 24-20 deficit, the Blues established a furious surge as a runner and a two-pointer from beyond the center arc closed the gap within 24-23. Following a brief time out, the Corals secured the win as Shelton nailed a jumper for the 25-23 win.

“We played them tough, but we just couldn’t finish,’’ said Blues shooting guard and former Lincoln-Sudbury basketball player Jeff Walsh. “We had our chances, but we missed some easy shots and they were able to capitalize on their opportunities. We’ve lost several close games this season, and we just have to do a better job finishing games.”