OSBA Championship Game!!!
DAMN what a game, from the jump ball to the last shot, if you were a basketball fan you were definitely excited to be at this game. It had all the key ingredients to make for a championship game to remember. Big lead swings, huge defensive plays on both sides of the ball, x-factors lighting it up, pots and pans from the fans going crazy, a close finish, and numerous scouts present to take it all in.
Playing like they had nothing to lose, is exactly how Ridley College had been playing this whole weekend and they continued playing with that same fire into the championship game. Led by backcourt combo of Marcus Upshaw and Noah Wharton, Ridley jumped out to an early 11–4 start. Neither, Noah or Marcus could be contained, scoring every way possible; on fast breaks, floaters in the lane, 3-point shots, they were really doing it all.
One man wrecking crew in Bediako. Jaden Bediako of Ridley College was flirting with a triple double tallying up 22 points 9 boards and 8 blocks in what was as impressive of a game that he has had all season. Jaden was cleaning up the offensive glass with put backs, backing down defenders and hitting shots in the post and even knocking down a turn around jumper at the top of the key. This weekend he showcased his onslaught of offensive weapons and proved that he is a problem for opposing defenses any time he touches the ball.
Calm, cool, and collected performance from TRC. Despite being down by as much as 17 points early in the game, The Wolfpack stuck to their game plan and slowly chipped away at Ridley’s lead. Coach Tyrell Vernon kept his guys locked in and confident they could mount a comeback, and that is exactly what they did.
The X-Factors, both Cam Bett (Ridley), and Avan Nava (TRC) came in off the bench and knocked down huge shots for each team. Bett was able to spread the floor, act as a calming presence and hit some crucial shots while TRC was attempting to mount a comeback, but it was Nava who was delivering the blow on his spot up threes that just seemed to come at the right times to help spark TRC and push them towards victory.
The vets, for TRC were phenomenal. They all played with a sense of urgency in the second half. When Defensive player of the year Adong Makuoi fouled out with over 2 minutes left in the game, Matt Grace came in and filled the role with ease. First team All Star Antoine Vernon showed he had Ice in his veins sinking clutch free throws to stretch the lead to 3 late in the game. Then there was Niagara commit Steve Levnaic with a big pass deflect on the last possession of the game to force Ridley into a tough shot. All around, it was a strong performance from the whole squad.
The MVP, Deon Ejim took the highest individual honours of the game with 15 points and 10 rebounds, the 6’7 forward was all over the court, dealing with the likes of Bediako on the defensive end, then scoring from inside and out Ejim was doing it all.
