Boys' Basketball Crushes Choate
The boys’ varsity basketball team triumphed over Choate Rosemary Hall on Jan. 14, winning by a margin of 31 points. The end score was an incredible 61-30, following another victory three days prior, when Exeter edged Andover out by 24 points. Both wins were due to the team’s up-tempo offence and its solid defensive play.
Senior and co-captain Mitchell Kirsch described the practices leading up to the game as crucial, saying that the team worked with high energy and attention to detail. “I think that showed in our performance,” Kirsch mentioned.
Post-graduate Kyle Copeland elaborated on the intensity of each practice, crediting the head boys’ basketball coach as a key aspect of the team’s success. “Coach Tilton has been pushing us very hard,” Copeland explained. He continued to stress the importance of a high-intensity practice, saying that their focus and drive lead the atmosphere to be like that of a real game.
Post-graduate Javante McCoy emphasized the team’s ability to concentrate during the game. “I would say we went into the game thinking about us. Not the other team. Not the fans. Not the refs or any other distractions. Just us,” McCoy said. “We focused on the things we could control such as bringing energy, communication, rebounding, executing, and simply playing hard.”
“I think we can be a championship caliber team.”
Copeland detailed the team’s defensive strategy, saying that their ability to limit Choate’s scoring opportunities was the reason behind Exeter’s early lead. In the first few minutes of the game the team compiled plenty of steals. He highlighted that Big Red hit the court determined. “We limited their offense early in the game,” Copeland said. “We kept hitting shots and getting stops on defense.” While he did acknowledge that Choate was apparently missing two starters due to sickness, Copeland reaffirmed his confidence in Exeter’s ability to handle any team and any situation.
McCoy credited the teammates who provided support from the bench as a highlight of the game, acknowledging them for their help with communication and encouragement. “In addition, the bench was prepared and ready to step in the game when they were needed,” he said.
Kirsch described the opponents as tenacious. “Choate is a scrappy team with the ability to shoot from deep,” he said. However, Kirsch also credited Exeter’s strong defense, saying, “We made sure to contest all of their shots.” McCoy reiterated this point, saying that while Choate is a fairly strong team, they “gave up easily in the second half.”
The team will play Bradford Christian Academy on the Jan. 17 followed by a game against the New Hampton School on Jan. 20. Kirsch hoped that the team will be able to take more advantage of the opportunities they are given in these upcoming matches. “I think we will improve on taking charges on the defensive end,” he said.
Copeland also aspired for Exeter to keep up the work ethic and their intensity they have been both playing and practicing with. “I think we can be a championship caliber team,” he added.