Boys’ Basketball Crushes Deerfield

Last Saturday, boys’ varsity basketball took on Deerfield Academy in Love Gym. Big Red dominated both ends of the court, beating Big Green “Doors” 86-40. The game against Deerfield broke the team’s three-game losing streak, which had been ongoing since their last win against St. Paul’s School. Although it is unsurprising that Exeter came out with a victory, considering that the hapless Deerfield had won just one game, the game was nonetheless an important win for the team. With a 9-8 record, they were in danger of losing their playoff spot. As post-graduate and point guard Troy Morrison said, “We really needed that victory.”

If the utterly unimpressive record of Big Green was not enough to virtually ensure a Big Red “W,” Deerfield had been putting up an average of 49 points per game, lower than all but one of Exeter’s games. Despite their obvious upper hand, the team approached this game just like all others, with a quiet, determined intensity.

Throughout the game, Exeter used their height and athleticism to dominate both the offensive and defensive game. According to Morrison, many of the team’s members played excellently, including post-graduates Christian Lutete and Evan Crawford and upper James Foye. Their performances allowed Exeter to run away with the victory in the second half.

On the defensive side, the team outperformed Deerfield in every area, including rebounds, blocks and steals. “Against Deerfield, we stayed consistent with our game plan to play really good defense,” upper Perry DeLorenzo said. “They hit some tough shots to begin the game, but we stayed with it and eventually shut them down and pulled away.”

“They hit some tough shots to begin the game, but we stayed with it and eventually shut them down and pulled away.”

Morrison agreed. “Offensively, we played well all around, but what made the difference in the game was our defense. We turned up the defensive pressure in the second half, and we saw great tangible results at the end of the game.”

Ultimately, the win against Deerfield was a necessary and notable achievement for Exeter, not only because it broke their three-game losing streak, but also because it provides a lot of momentum for the team as it heads into the final four games of the regular season. Big Red is well on its way towards playing the best basketball it can, yet there are still some improvements to be made.

“In order to finish the season strong, we are going to have to improve our execution offensively and our finishing around the rim,” Foye said. “We just need to keep getting better and better defensively, every day.”

“We’ve been getting better every game recently, and, as long as we continue to play with the same fire every game, I’m confident we can make a deep playoff run,” DeLorenzo said. Going into the final stretch of their season with an 11-8 record, Exeter is certain to be a formidable contender in the playoffs.

Big Red will be taking on the Cushing Academy Penguins (15-5) this Saturday.