In the best game of the Dutchess County Coaches Association Christmas Tournament so far, the FD Roosevelt Presidents nearly gave away an 18-point lead in the final quarter, but held on to defeat the Arlington Admirals 69-65 at Our Lady of Lourdes High School.  The Presidents managed to have four different players score in double digits, but costly turnovers as the Admirals applied a full-court press at the end nearly cost them the game.  Shareef Taylor led the Presidents with 21 points, while Louie Torres had 21 for the Admirals.

In the first half, Arlington had trouble keeping Taylor off the offensive glass, but still managed to keep a slim lead at the first break.  The Arlington defense gave the Roosevelt guards some trouble early on and the Admirals capitalized opening up a quick 10-point lead, 18-8.  The Admirals held onto the lead throughout the second quarter as well, despite Connor Hart stepping up for the Presidents and knocking down a couple of field goals.  Arlington was in charge heading into the locker room for halftime up 29-20.

When the teams returned for the second half, the Presidents came out with a vengeance, powered by consecutive 3-pointers from Hart.  The Presidents would go on a 16-5 run and knot the game at 34.  Arlington struggled to find good shots offensively as the Roosevelt defenders stuck right to their men in the half court setting.  A 3-pointer from David Josiah put the Presidents in front 45-38 at the end of the third quarter.  In the fourth, the Presidents all but put the Admirals away with a frenzied 13-2 run to begin the quarter.  Then, the tables turned.  The Admirals applied full court pressure and began an emotional and intense run that put them down by six with a minute to play.  Another steal and pull-up jumper by Andrew Ziemins brought the Admirals to within 4.  Arlington would inch even closer when with just less than 10 seconds remaining Torres was fouled attempting a 3-point field goal.  Torres knocked down all three to put the Admirals within 2.  That would be as close as the home team would get to a comeback against the Presidents as the buzzer sounded and FDR won 69-65.

Leave a Comment

You must be logged in to post a comment.