The O’Bannon Greenwaves are off to their best record in recent history 6-2 as they defeated both neighboring rivals Simmons Blue Devils (72-60) and Leland (37-18) during two consecutive days this week.
The Greenwaves and the Blue Devils went toe to toe as each team showed sharp shopping from the arc and physical work inside of the paint. The biggest lead of the night came in the second half when the Greenwaves extended the lead by ten points.
Said Simmons Coach Alex Savannah, "Our players gave everything they had. We have to play a complete disciplined game for 32 minutes."
At the beginning of the game, Blue Devils’ Carl Lucas Jr. carried his team with several impressive three pointers along with a wing three pointer by teammate Singleton. The Blue Devils would control much of the 1st quarter offensively until the Greenwaves answered back with a big block from Lou Sanders and an and-1 play from standout sophomore Cordario Calvin Jr. following a successful free throw. Lucas yet popped in another contested three pointer to go into the half. Despite the sharp shooting from Lucas and a few clutch plays from teammate Morris, the Blue Devils were out hustled by the Greenwaves after head coach Torrione Carter made game winning adjustments that eventually led his team to the win. When asked what adjustments were made at the half, Carter's response was simple, “I told them that we had to take care of the ball, grab more rebounds, and out hustle the opponent.”
Senior center Tylan Phillips’ performance in the 3rd quarter including an offensive board and put back and next a fifteen footer will make a difference around the rim. On the next couple of possessions Sanders and Landyn Winter will chip in two three pointers to extend the lead by 4. The Blue Devils entered the fourth quarter trailing the Greenwaves by double digits. Calvin sealed the win with a contested lay up. Calvin finished the contest with 16 key points, Sanders 12 points, centers Phillips Quin Reed combined for 21 points. On the other end, Lucas led the Blue Devils with 27 points (5/5 three pointers) and 7 rebounds while Morris scored 17 points and grabbed 4 rebounds.
The Greenwaves are now 2-0 against the Simmons Blue Devils.
