Farris Qranfal also contributed to this article
Malden and Lynn English is a heated rivalry, not just because of the competition, but because of the stakes. This was Malden’s 9th game, officially making them halfway through the season. As stated by sophomore Shawn Sekema in a previous article, Malden must win 10 games to make the state tournament. Currently sitting at 6-2 before the game, pressure was mounting, and a desperate win was needed for the Tornados.
The game started off swinging for the Tornados, going on a fast run, starting the game off with an early lead. Senior Colin Okoth played a major role in this lead as his significant three-pointer allowed Malden to have a score of ten, followed by a steal and layup from senior Ryan McMahon. Resulting in a score of 12-4, with 5:55 minutes left in the 1st quarter. At this pace, Malden was looking to crush a school record. However, in any basketball game, no matter the level, it is clear that things can change at any moment; one big play is all it takes. It’s about who can control the pace and hold on to that spark the longest.
Lynn English, decided to take action, making their layups and scoring three’s, exposing Malden’s defense. After another three from Lynn, they managed to crawl back, leading to a score of 14-10 with 4:16 left in the first quarter. You could feel the atmosphere and tension rising. After each big play from either team, some sort of taunting would happen. This got the crowd riled and hyped, seeing who would clap back with a better play.
For Malden, it was their senior Kaua Dias, block after block, Malden’s big man was putting in absolute work. “Every time someone goes up with me I take it personal, if the other player does score on me that means that I need to get better so it won’t happen again,” Dias explained. Pairing Dias’s defense with the leadership from McMahon, and Okoth still putting up threes, Malden was looking extremely dominant. This dominance was clearly established by the score, as by the end of the first quarter Malden was up 24-20. “I just try my hardest to find the open mad and get all my teammates involved with the game at all times,” McMahon proclaimed.
At the start of the second quarter, sophomore Jason Minervini demonstrated his presence on the team, stepping up and hitting a huge three, maintaining the momentum on Malden’s side. This was quickly followed by a massive block by Dias again. Malden had the energy, passion, and leadership, and was in complete control of the game, 33-20, with 5:34 left in the quarter. However, Lynn was feisty and refused to go down without a fight. Lynn English ended up going on a 13-0 run, scoring 13 points straight without letting Malden get a single point. Dias, however, put a stop to this 13-0 run by scoring a layup, making the score 42-35, English up at the end of second quarter. “Coach John McGlynn helped me a lot, and now I’m more confident when I get the ball and I know that none of my opponents can stop me so I just take my time and go get a bucket,” Dias shared.
By the time the third quarter started, the pressure was intense. The ball traveled back and forth between each team; the momentum seemed to sway between both teams as each tried their best to stay on top. Senior Chase Bolling ended the quarter with a big three, making the score 55-54, English up only by a point at the end of the third quarter. Bolling, the team’s reliable shooter and scorer, showcased his importance to the team as he didn’t fold under pressure throughout the game and continued to make big plays.
Finally, the fourth quarter began; people were on the edge of their seats, immersing themselves into the game as the tense atmosphere took over the gym, each player putting all of their focus into this moment. Each team exchanged buckets; again, Bolling came through for Malden, hitting a huge three-pointer, cutting the lead down to 65-63 with left in the 4th. Dias got fouled and stepped up to the line with confidence. Dias managed to make the first foul throw yet missed the second. Despite this Malden’s determination allowed them to successfully box-out Lynn English players and get the rebound, keeping the ball on their side.
This possession was what Malden needed, a quick bucket. However, Malden struggled to score making the score 68-64 in favor of Lynn, with 1:45 left in the game. Malden’s struggle after Bolling’s three caused them to come up short and lose the match 74-65, dropping to 2-7. This game was Malden’s; they had everything going for them, yet Lynn seemed to want it more. Malden is only halfway through the season, and can come back and win just enough games to make States. “We just need to work more on talking and developing individually and slowly more and more as a team to have a shot,” McMahon shared.
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