Special Report form John Brejot:
 
Nimitz brought their 80 points per game average.  Memorial brought a defense that allows about half of that.  Nimitz brought athleticism and speed.  Memorial brought teamwork and, again, defense (an oft-discussed, but rarely executed strategy).  The first time Memorial played Nimitz, the match-up went the way of Memorial.  On this night Nimitz got the upper hand, thanks in part to Memorial's dismal 3-point shooting (2 for 19) and several missed "gimme putts."
 
The first quarter started with the running and gunning style of Nimitz working to perfection.  Memorial had trouble adjusting to the speed and quickness of the Cougars.  Six turnovers later and the Mustangs were down 22-14.  In the second quarter the Mustangs regained their composure and reduced their turnovers to 1.  The score at the half was 29-26 in favor of Nimitz.  Nimitz was fortunate that the Mustangs missed a minimum of 4 "gimme putts," or wide-open lay-ups as they're called in basketball.
 
In the 3rd quarter Memorial managed to keep it close, but couldn't quite close the gap.  In the fourth quarter the wheels began to fall off for the Mustangs.  Fouls, some real, some imagined, plagued the Mustangs.  Will Patchell was pulled to the ground by a Cougar and a double foul was called.  Unfortunately it was Patchell's fifth foul and was followed by a technical on Patch.  The momentum shifted to Nimitz and their 6-point lead began to grow following the free throws.  Matt Brejot fouled out shortly thereafter and Jackson Kajander rolled his ankle and left the game.  That's about all she wrote for the Mustangs, but they're still the only team other than Aldine to beat Nimitz this year.  Kajander and Patchell both finished with 13.
 
With a victory by Stratford over Northbrook, and the loss by Spring Woods to Aldine, the play-off race continues to race to the finish with Stratford and Memorial holding a slight advantage over Spring Woods.  Spring Woods and Stratford both still have to face Nimitz.  Memorial finishes up against Ike, Mac and in what could be a game with a play-off spot riding on it, Stratford.  The Spring Woods/Aldine game must have been awesome.  Stratford held Gary Johnson to 15 points recently.  Memorial held him to 13 the first time they met.  But Spring Woods set the record with only 12 points allowed.

Copies of this game are available on DVD or VHS for $25.00 plus tax and shipping. Requests may be sent to lsinclair@athletesconnection.com.

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