The varsity boys’ basketball team looks to avenge last year’s 55-53 playoff loss, with a rematch against Martin on Friday, Feb. 23. The team edged Guyer 72-66 in the first round of the playoffs on Tuesday, Feb. 20.
“We had to get off-script on the gameplan because we had guys in foul trouble,” head coach Toby Martin said. “We were just grittier and a little tougher than they were. Sometimes, you have to throw game plans out upon new information.”
Martin has the size advantage with four players standing 6’5” or taller, to the Farmers’ one. The team can combat the Warriors’ size by continuing to play fast, as they have all season.
“We’re faster than them,” senior forward John Mcpeters said. “[We’ll go] inside out, so, not settling for threes and getting into the bigger guys. As the game progresses, I’ll get my shot going.”
Getting out in transition allows the team to set their defense. On that end of the floor, Martin attributes constant “pressure” as a key to winning.
“People are going to want to hop in a zone [defense] and be afraid of their size, but I don’t think they’ve seen a team that will get up and pressure their guards like we will,” Martin said. “We saw that last year on tape, and we were successful at it. We didn’t end up winning, but the key to that is [pressuring] the ball and [making] free throws.”
Although Mcpeters wasn’t a part of the team last year, he understands the significance of this rematch, especially since it’s do-or-die season.
“It’s just a big game for all the other guys, and especially for me, since it’s my first time in the playoffs,” Mcpeters said. “We’ve got to get our get-back.”
The team is riding back-to-back wins after their first round victory. Martin said the players have “done a great job” leading the team for the playoffs.
“Good programs are led by coaches,” Martin said. “Great programs are led by players. [The players] understand that this is it. Each practice could be their last; each game could be their last. They don’t want this journey to end.”
With eight seniors on the team, this will be most of the roster’s last chance at a state title. After a 28-4 regular season, this may be the best shot they’ve had.
“I know this could be my last game, so I just try to keep calm and be locked down,” senior point guard Princeton Green said. “[If the team makes a deep playoff run], I’m pretty much making history.”
