Last weekend, the Golden Tornados Boys’ Basketball team, who stood at a record of five wins and seven losses, played against the 4-and-4 Melrose Red Raiders. Malden would unfortunately lose 38-58 in a fast-paced, foul-heavy game.
Malden started the game off poorly with some trouble getting through the Raider’s defense. Melrose would keep Malden at two points from a foul by Melrose for the majority of the first quarter while Melrose, on the other hand, came out of the gates sprinting and quickly put up two threes, a two-pointer, and one free throw to make the game 9-2. However, a late first-quarter sub of sophomore Ethan Phejarasai rallied the troops and broke the scoring drought to end the first quarter 16-11 in Melrose’s favor.
However, the comeback would not last long as Melrose ramped up the energy at the start of the second quarter. They began to drive to the basket more often—drawing fouls and scoring lay-ups while the three-point threat also looms over Malden. The second quarter would see the Red Raiders extend their lead to 18 points to go into halftime up 35-17.
Melrose would continue to extend their lead in the third quarter to 45-19. Then Malden picked up the pace and intensity and scored 12 points to finish the quarter 31-49.
Malden would continue this intensity into the fourth quarter and step up their defense significantly, keeping Melrose scoreless for nearly five minutes. As time ran down Malden continued to increase their aggression, scoring on offense but often drawing fouls on defense. In the end, Melrose was able to slow down the game and prevent the comeback to finish the game 58-38.
Overall, the team had some trouble breaking the solid defense of Melrose and defending against both the two-point and three-point threats. Fouls were also a huge issue for Malden who gave out a total of 19 fouls compared to Melrose’s 11, with each player on the Malden team receiving at least one personal foul.
Despite the loss, Malden had their fair share of highlights. Some amazing passing plays and solid lay-ups were a sign of good things to come. Determination from the team in the face of adversity especially from Captain Ezechiel “Zeke” Noelsaint also points to some strengths of the team.
Sophomore Ethan Phejarasai attempts a tricky lay-up against a Melrose defender. NATHAN DEAN 
Captin Ezechiel “Zeke” Noelsaint attempts a three-point shot. NATHAN DEAN 
Freshman Ryan Bowdridge goes up for a 2-point jumper. NATHAN DEAN 
A Melrose player blocks a two-point attempt from Sophomore De'Shawn Bunch. NATHAN DEAN 
Samuhel Fernandes shoots a free throw. NATHAN DEAN 
Captin Ezechiel “Zeke” Noelsaint looks for a way out of the corner. NATHAN DEAN 
Captain Ezechiel “Zeke” Noelsaint shoots a free throw. NATHAN DEAN 
Sophomore Ethan Phejarasai soars to attempt a 2-point shot. NATHAN DEAN 
Junior Johnson Hyunh goes for a two-pointer. NATHAN DEAN 
Captin Ezechiel “Zeke” Noelsaint attempts a three-point shot. NATHAN DEAN 
Captin Ezechiel “Zeke” Noelsaint attempts a two-point shot. NATHAN DEAN 
Sophomore Ethan Phejarasai dribbles through traffic. NATHAN DEAN 
A Melrose player attempts to block a shot from Captain Ezechiel “Zeke” Noelsaint. NATHAN DEAN
