Berkmar gets first win of the season

Berkmar gets first win of the season

By Robert Alfonso Jr.
Norcross, GA – Berkmar set the tone early and never looked back. The Patriots aggressive play led to a 70-53 over Sequoyah in the open game of the OTR Tip-Off Classic at Norcross High Saturday.

This was Berkmar’s first win of the year under newly hired head coach William Witherspoon, who is a Patriots alum.

“It felt good coming off a few disappointing losses,” Witherspoon said. “We have been emphasizing to get off to a good start.”

Berkmar (1-2) got off to a good start. Being the first game in the showcase doesn’t come with many people in the stands. The Patriots generated their own energy with its pressure and intensity.

The theme for the week was to stay mentally locked in and to not have mental lapses. Berkmar managed to avoid compiling mistakes. They actually forced the Chiefs (2-1) into an array of mistakes early. 

Leading the way for the Patriots was Yousef Othman, who finished with 20 points, and 8 rebounds. Most of which came in the second-half.

His focus in the first-half was to help set the defensive tone. Berkmar forced a usually disciplined Sequoyah team into erratic play. Othman and the Patriots are still looking to learn one another. Witherspoon was a late hirer and Othman transferred in later from New York City.

“He’s has always had a lot of confidence,” Witherspoon said. “I felt like today we were really intentional about getting him the ball.”

Christian Braxton had 16 points. Khalil Annunziata finished with a double-double (14 points, 11 rebounds) for Berkmar. 

Brendan Tousignaut, the recent Kennesaw State signee, scored a team-high 23 points for Sequoyah.