Lejeune uses 32-0 run to defeat Jones Senior
By: Jayden Willis
The Jones Senior Trojans faced off against the Lejeune Devil Pups, aiming to secure their elusive second win of the season. Unfortunately, that would not happen, as the Devil Pups were locked in from tip-off and defeated the Trojans 64-19.
“It’s been a tough week. We didn’t get to practice last week due to the weather,” said Head Coach Austin Andrews. “It’s shown the last three games.”
Both teams were shaking off rust from the weather disrupting their seasons. Their offenses started by trading empty possessions due to turnovers and missed open shots. The Devil Pups found their rhythm through aggressive defense, which turned into easy fast-break points. Jones Senior felt the pressure on offense, unable to establish any rhythm for most of the quarter. As a result, Lejeune controlled the first quarter and ended it with a 19-8 lead.
In the second quarter, Lejeune blew the game open with a run that lasted the entire period. Their defense tightened even further, increasing the pressure on the Trojans. Jones Senior committed numerous turnovers and failed to score during the entire quarter. Lejeune's suffocating defense and efficient transition offense carried them into halftime on a 27-0 run, extending their lead to 46-8.
“The main thing is getting these guys’ confidence up,” said Andrews. “A lot of them are lacking confidence from losing, but it’s part of the game.”
The Trojans came out of the half fighting, finally breaking up the long run the Devil Pups had established in the first half. They scored their first points since the end of the first quarter. Midway through the third, Lejeune began rotating in their bench players. The bench maintained the defensive pressure established by the starters, keeping the game in the Devil Pups’ favor with a 53-12 lead going into the fourth.
“It would get them pumped up,” said Andrews. “I believe in these kids.”
Jones Senior sent out their bench unit for most of the fourth quarter, as did Lejeune. Both units competed until the final buzzer. Lejeune’s reserves began to find their rhythm on offense, converting favorable looks. The Trojans did the same toward the end of the game, scoring their highest total since the first quarter. The Devil Pups came out with a 64-19 win, extending their winning streak to four games.
With the loss, the Trojans fall to 1-14 overall and 0-3 in conference play. They will look to earn their second win and first conference victory against the East Carteret Mariners. Meanwhile, the Devil Pups aim to keep their momentum going as they improve to 7-5 overall and 2-0 in the conference.
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