David vs Goliath; Or is it?

David vs Goliath; Or is it?

February 20th of 2015 marks a huge game for the Lennox Orioles. After wins over Beresford and Tea Area, the Orioles will play in their final home game of the regular season. They will host the Quarriers of Dell Rapids. It is set up as a David vs Goliath stage. Number 4 in the state Dell Rapids versus unranked Lennox. 15 and 2 Dell Rapids versus 11 and 7 Lennox. However, Lennox doesn't look at this game as a David vs Goliath, they look at it as another game.

Having a chance to discuss with Coach Paul McVey was a true honor. Paul and I talked about how the Orioles played against the Watchdogs and how the Orioles will match up against the Quarriers. First I asked him how Beresford (4-14) gave us a tough and highly contested game. He replied with "Beresford made alot of three-point shots.  We guarded them very well in the post and on the drive but they made alot of 3's early, to make it a very good game." This was a factor as the Beresford Watchdogs shot 83% from the three point area in the first half. This was a big aspect which could have lost the game for Lennox. I then wanted to know how the Orioles came from 8 points down at half to win by 6 points over Beresford. He said, "In the second half we closed out harder on their three-point shots.  We got something like ten stops in a row, which is really incredible and then we scored by attacking their zone defense and getting the ball in the gaps inside." When McVey spoke about the first half, he had disappointment in his voice. I looked at the first half as if it was a fist fight between both teams. However, Lennox was too tired to make any big blows so Beresford just kept nailing hits on us and we just stood there and took it. In the second half, Lennox showed that they could have some big blows as well and they took it to Beresford and outscored them 35 to 21 in the second half. 

That brought our discussion on Beresford to an end and started the topic of tonight's game. I asked him how the Orioles will handle and beat the heavy favorite of Dell Rapids. His reply was, "I am not sure if I would characterize Dell Rapids as a heavy favorite.  They have a better record than us, but we play very good team defense and share the ball on offense. So we feel we can compete with anyone we play.  We need to guard their dribble penetration and not let them kick it out or dish it to open guys.  We will also need to handle their defensive pressure." I liked his answer and that brought up my final question. I asked him if there was one element or key that he needed to win tonight, what would it be? His answer was nothing short of expected as he said, "the biggest element for us is to play Oriole basketball which is unselfish team basketball on defense and offense." I agreed with his answer and then thanked him for his time. 

Now Coach McVey isn't the only man who thinks that beating Dell Rapids is doable. I spoke with a lot of different team members about tonight's game. Most of them said that Dell Rapids better be ready or the Orioles are here to play. Nevertheless, it was the words that Coach Paul McVey said the other day in practice. He basically said in front of the team and coaches that this is our home floor with our home crowd watching and there will be many people here. We are going to ignore the fact they are ranked and we are going to play Oriole Basketball and get a big win.

Now a lot of you may say that Lennox doesn't have the offense to win tonight. However, I say this for me and the team, we have a good offense. We won't over look the fact that Dell Rapids has beaten many good teams. But when you come to the Nest, weather you are ranked number 1 or number 100, you will not get an easy win. Why? Cause this is our home and we play Oriole fundamental basketball. Cause Hinker is coming off of a 27 point game and Oldenkamp off of a 7 rebound game. But mainly because we are the Orioles.

So come out tonight and watch the game of the year. Lennox vs Dell Rapids in the Nest.

C-Team tips off at 5:00, with the JV tipping off at 6:30. The Varsity should start around 7:45.

Written By:

Grant Sweeter

Manager Lennox Basketball

Sr. Lennox High School