Boys’ Basketball Trounces Tabor by 21 Points

Boys’ varsity basketball crushed Tabor Academy by a 21 point margin on Wednesday, Feb. 1 at home. With eight wins so far, the team has set an impressive record, which was expected, according to senior and co-captain Mitchell Kirsch. “We just committed to things we pride ourselves on,” Kirsch said, explaining why Exeter was able to defeat Tabor Academy 76 to 55. “We set the tone defensively and played well in transition.”

Post-graduate Kyle Copeland concurred with Kirsch’s statement, emphasizing the strength of their defense. He also touched on the importance of blocking Tabor Academy while on the offense. “Having good ball movement and our ability to get depth from others on the bench kept us in the game,” Copeland said.

“We just committed to things we pride ourselves on.  We set the tone defensively and played well in transition.”

Kirsch, who described Tabor Academy as a “scrappy” team, noted that its roster was missing one of the key players. However, he emphasized that Exeter had succeeded due to its strong preparation and determination. “I think we prepared well and were ready for anything they came at us with,” he said.

Grandison reflected on the season so far, acknowledged that the team chemistry has improved since its first game together. “Our understanding of the offense and each other's games has increased exponentially,” he said. However, Grandison recognized that Exeter still has a lot of room for growth.Post-graduate Jacob Grandison didn’t view the opponents as a threat. “They were not difficult to beat,” Grandison said. “We could have won by a lot more.” He also found that by stopping Tabor Academy from possessing the ball, Big Red could easily switch to quick offense, rather than having to constantly guard the other team.

Copeland also commented on his own personal experience. “I think my whole mentality about the game has expanded,” he said, crediting Exeter’s high collegiate level competition as the reason for this increased focus. “I have to bring my best effort every time I step onto the floor.”

Big Red will face Worcester Academy on Feb. 8, and the team will also play a home game, defending the court against Deerfield Academy on Feb. 11. Kirsch hopes that the team will continue working on a bold offense. “We want to make opposing teams guard us for long stretches of time,” he said. Grandison also looks forward to these matches, describing them as “dog fights.” “Both are AA teams,” he explained. “We can't underestimate any of our opponents if we want to be a championship team.”

Upper Ben Eckstrom felt that Exeter has found its niche during the second half of this season. “Our foundation offensively and defensively is there,” Eckstrom said. “Now we just have to fine tune some things.”