Norcross holds on to win with defensive stance
By Robert Alfonso Jr.
Norcross, GA – The final game of the On the Radar Tip-off Classic came down to the final buzzer between Norcross and Pebblebrook.
Norcross used its timeouts in the waning seconds for defensive purposes before securing an 80-77 win.
The Blue Devils (3-0) had to wait until Pebblebrook’s final shot attempt caromed off the rim. This is the closest game of the year for Norcross in this young season.
“The last few timeouts were about being solid defensively,” Blue Devils coach Jessie McMillan said. “We had to be solid and not gamble. Down the stretch it was two teams competing and making shots.
“We were lucky to get the W, for sure.”
Norcross had to sweat out the win due to the Falcons (2-1) strong guard play. Pebblebrook spread out the Blue Devils defense. This allowed them to get into the lane and kick out for open jumpers.
The Blue Devils made adjustments in the fourth quarter late. They were able to get some mismatches inside with Miles Clanton. The senior forward used the opportunities to make plays late in the final period to help give Norcross the win.
“We were able to identify a couple of mismatches for (Miles) in the third quarter,” McMillan said. “He made some really solid plays. In the end, he made more solid plays on the defensive end.”
Another solid performance came from Connor Teasley.
The newest Blue Devils player is still getting to know his teammates. His feel for the game, however, has helped him/
“Connor is a really high IQ basketball player,” McMillan said. “He does a good job making things happen offensively and defensively.”
Teasley finished with a team-high 20 points, six rebounds, and seven assists. Clanton added 18 points and seven rebounds. Jaren Saulsberry finished with 17 points and 13 rebounds. Thomas McBride chipped in with 13 points. Nasir Anderson recorded 10 points.
Pebblebrook was led by Jaylen Humphrey who had a team-high 19 points. Zyree Brown and Max McNeil finished with 16 points apiece. Jaiyvon Nurse had 14 points.
About the Author
Alfonso
Robert Alfonso Jr. is a graduate of Mount Sait Mary College. He has more than 20 years of journalism experience. Alfonso has helped build a basketball web brand in Georgia and has covered high school through college sports for publications in New York, North Carolina, and Georgia. His mission has always been to uplift the athletes who play sports providing them the exposure needed in this new media platform.