To kick off the new year, boys’ basketball won 53-36 against the Revere Patriots at the Finn Gym at Malden High. The Malden starting five consisted of Ethan Phejarasai, Yandel Huynh, Wyatt Dessert, Ezechiel Noelsaint, and Kaua Fernandes Dias Valadares.
On the final scoreboard, it may have seemed like it was always Malden’s game, however, this was a back-and-forth contest for much of the game. The first two minutes of the game were a major defensive battle, with a combination of shots not falling and good coverage. Malden ended up getting the edge in the first quarter by cashing more fastbreak points. However, Malden struggled to stop Revere from getting rebounds. After one, it was 11-8 Malden heading into the second quarter.
Noelsaint began to clean the glass, scooping up rebounds, yet the Golden Tornado team struggled to convert second-chance points, which kept the game close and prevented Malden from pulling away. Phejarasai and Noelsaint helped Malden power into halftime with two crucial steals for Phejarasai, followed by two fastbreak midrange jumpers with four minutes remaining in the half. Noelsaint locked down the defensive end for the remainder of the half while just before the half, Yandel Huynh hit one from beyond the arc and the first half finished 25-19 Malden.
As the second half began, Revere had the momentum as they came out swinging. The Golden Tornados struggled to convert on the offensive end, and Revere clawed their way back two minutes in to bring the score within one point to 25-24. Malden managed to put up eight points to get themselves to 33 points. However, Malden got into some foul trouble on the defensive end, giving Revere several free throws to end the third quarter at 33-31 in favor of Malden.
In the fourth quarter, Malden looked calmer compared to the previous quarter and refreshed. A block party ensued for Malden as Fernandes Dias Valadares had several blocks as well as Noelsaint and Phejarasai had multiple steals. Dominant defense paired with an offensive explosion by Sophomore Colin Okoth, with a mid-range and several points in the paint would allow the Golden Tornados to steam past the Patriots, 48-34 with three minutes remaining. Malden continued this play until the game concluded with a score of 53-36. Phejarasai, Noelsaint and Okoth were the game’s leading scorers with 15, 12, and 7 respectively.
Noelsaint, a senior captain, reflected on the game, noting, “Our defense is what kept us in through the game, it’s been our biggest strength all season.” Similarly, Okoth also remarked the team’s defense has been “aggressive” and that “everyone is ready to battle defensively.”
Phejarasai stated, “We need to be able to communicate and talk more” on the defensive end. Phejarasai also remarked, “Our biggest weakness is definitely our rebounding.” Okoth explained, “We can start the game slow with our offense.” However, he also commented, “We do a great job holding each other accountable.”
Despite the win, the Golden Tornados are still working on improving themselves as players. Noelsaint said, “I’m really trying my best to lead by example.” Okoth then concluded, “I am one of the younger guys on the team, I do my best to work hard.” He ended with, “I look to play my role as a team player, my confidence is becoming stronger which lets me be way more comfortable on the court.”
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