Campion College Basketball: Calabar demolishes Campionites

Date: 13/12/07 [27-81] {Record: 1-2}

A lot of lessons were taught and learnt with the end result seeing Calabar easily put aside Campion as action continued in the Southern Zone of the KFC ISSA Basketball Competition . Calabar put on a display which seemingly mesmorized the Campionites who found themselves down by a whopping 30 points at the end of only the first quarter! Campion was obviously not prepared for the up-tempo minded "Lions" and offensively were shut down by the seemingly mind boggling press Calabar employed throughtout the first quarter. Obviously a ploy to tire out Campion and to bury the game as early as possible, Calabar saw there defensive mechanism reward them generously as they burst out to 10-0 lead. Campion were not able to generate much offense in the first quarter because of this and the quarter ended 34-4. Signs of Calabar tiring were evident though at the end of their blistering first quarter blitz and saw them turn down the heat a bit. They didn't turn it down too much however and kept up their efficient play throughtout the match thus keeping Campion from recovering. The "Lions"/"Rabalac" , their goal being to score 100 points fell 19 short as the match ended in a 81-27 blowout.

One Man Show

Campion was also subjected to a one man offensive onslaught by Calabar's #8 who collected 30 points to go along with 19 rebounds. He was dominating in the post with noone being able to slow him down or stop him. This was similar to Campion's match last year against J.C. where then center, Eugene had 44 points and almost 20 rebounds.

Injury Scares

James Deane was clearly winded as he was knee'd in the stomach region in the first quarter. Though he finished the match strong, he seemed to still be suffering from the blow at the end of the match.

Russel Thompson complained at the end of the match of back pains resulting from a fall in the second half as he drove the lane and was fouled by a Calabar player.

Both should be okay however and their injuries not seen as threatening.

Is there a lesson to be learnt?

Even though they were blown out Campion could take some positives as well, from Calabar's play. They were very efficient and demanded only perfection (or something close to it) of their team. They were organized and though much teams may have come and 'relaxed' against Campion who is seen as a 'beating stick' by most opponents, they came with a plan and wanted to carry it through to the end.

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FEATURE PLAYER :

We continue our look at the individuals on the team by starting with the teams Shooting Guard/Small Forward Russel Thompson:


Known for being the joker of the team, Russel Thompson has always been a great offensive player with a variety of plays in his arsenal. Always energetic he puts his all out on the court on both ends as he is also a great defender. He leads the Campion team in scoring and on a good day is their most dangerous player.

TSC: How did you feel about your perfomance today?
Russel Thompson:

"I was playing like a punk. That's about it. That's all i have to say right now. I had very little shot attempts and turned over the ball too much. It wasn't a pretty performance."

TSC: How did you feel the team on a whole played?
Russel Thompson:

"The team tried. We just couldn't get it going offensively or defensively."

STRONG POINTS:
Great scorer/offense, stealing, great defender.

IDEAL PLAYER (inspiration): Dwyane Wade (yes that's how it's spelt)

FEATURE PLAYER (CONT'D):

Xavier Thompson:

STRONG POINTS:
Great overall defense/defender, rebounding, blocking.

IDEAL PLAYER (inspiration): Carlos Boozer

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Starting Lineup:
C Leighton Samuels [6'4, 170 lbs]
PF Xavier Thompson [6'3, 205 lbs]
SF Russell Thompson (Vice-Captain) [5'10, 195 lbs]
SG Jason Blankson [5'9, 185 lbs]
PG James Deane (Captain) [5'11, 150 lbs]

Bench:
Graham Reid [5'11, 160 lbs]
Kim Sing Yung [5'10, 150 lbs]
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GAME NOTES

All starters played majority of the match.
James Deane, Russel Thompson and Xavier Thompson were the major contributors offensively.
Leighton Samuels was the major contributor defensively.
Samuels and Xavier Thompson collectively tallied 20 rebounds [Samuels, 11 and Thompson 9]
The match was played at the Radley Reid arena (Campion's home) due to Calabar not having home facilities.
Campion were once again subjected to a series of "No calls" as the referees allowed a lot of fouls on Campion to go by.

Mikhail Mattis has been cleared to play in the remaining games according to team captain James Deane.

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REMAINING SCHEDULE - This will be posted in the next blog.