|
Sunday, January 3, 2016 | BataviasBest.org
In the second edition of Rapone vs Rapone, the Le Roy Boys Basketball team once again were able to get the better of Notre Dame – this time by a final score of 68-43. Tom Dunn and Nick Egeling were the driving forces behind the Knights’ big win, as the duo recorded 17 and 16 points respectively while also playing hard on the defensive end.
The game began with an onslaught from Le Roy, as throughout the first quarter swarming defense along with strong play on the defensive boards propelled the Knights to a 19-11 lead after the first eight minutes. The size and strength of the LR front line proved to be the difference early-on, as the Irish – still without big man Jack Sutherland – were simply unable to develop any sort of presence inside on either end of the floor. In addition, aside from CJ Suozzi, ND started ice cold from the field as a result of the Knights solid man-to-man defense, and leading scorer Tyler Prospero finished the first quarter with two fouls.
To put it plainly, it wasn’t a great start for the Irish.
As if that wasn’t enough, the second quarter wasn’t much better for Notre Dame. Le Roy continued to play their game both offensively and defensively to start the frame, pressuring the Irish into turnovers and bad shots while taking advantage of them on the other end, and with 3:05 to go in the first half Le Roy had suddenly grabbed a 20-point lead.
At the end of the half, the Knights advantage had inflated to 22, and going into the locker room there didn’t seem to be much hope for a comeback by the Irish. During the remainder of the game the domination would continue, and when it was all said and done the contest came to a close with Le Roy walking away with the eventual 25-point victory.
All in all, it was truly an impressive performance from the Knights, who now sitting at 4-4 seem to have what it takes to be better than a .500 team going forward. They possess the aforementioned size and strength, along with the effort that can carry any team throughout the tough points of a season.
On the other hand, as far as Notre Dame is concerned, this performance must worry the Irish as they have not come to play against the three toughest opponents on their schedule to this point (Elba, Le Roy, U Prep). If they hope to compete come Sectional time, it will be paramount for this group to get back to full strength (Sutherland), and also begin to play a bit more under control than they have recently.
Regardless of what takes place in the near future, however, the current record of 2-0 which Rick Rapone holds over his brother must feel about as good as two wins can. For when it comes to sibling rivalries, there are no small victories.
Other articles you may like:
Rapone vs Rapone II: Notre Dame trying to avenge last year’s loss to Le Roy
