FAIRHOPE, Ala.— On January 29, FHS Varsity Boys Basketball team defeated Theodore with a final score of 75-69 leading their season record 19-5. The Pirates played together as a team the entirety of the game ensuring their close yet deserving win.
To start off the game junior guard Knox Lawson shot a three and quickly recovered passing the ball to senior guard Alex Markis who scored another three point shot. This allowed the Pirates momentum and gave them points to relieve the pressure in the first period of the game.
“We stayed connected on and off the court which helps us build chemistry during the games,” Markris said.
Theodore and Fairhope went back and forth in points and continuously dribbled the ball up and down the court, both teams playing strong defense. Theodore shot a buzzer beater to end the first period catching up to the Pirates with a score of 17-15, Fairhope in the lead.
“Winning our basketball game required a shift from individual talent to collective, unselfish play, as we call “playing for the name on the front of the jersey, not the back,” said Marc Howard, senior shooting guard.
Junior small forward Trey Gardner hits a three to secure the lead 20-15 in the beginning of the second period and is later followed by a three point shot by Lawson leading Fairhope 40-30 at halftime.
“It’s important to hold each other accountable for any mistakes we make and that has definitely helped us be successful and stay consistent throughout the season,” Markis said.
Gardner scored the first point in the third period after senior guard Reece Olmstead passed the ball to Markris assisting the point in order to keep pressure off the open players. During the third period of the game Olmstead played defensively, getting the ball back as well as assisting his teammates with layups and driving the ball down the court.
“Our success is built on constant communication, shared responsibility, and a commitment to making the right play rather than the highlight play,” Howard said.
Gardner dunked the last two points of the game and the Pirates secured the win. Head Coach Ralph Watson continues to push his players not to be consumed by only wins but focused on what can be improved and how the team can accomplish that critique.
“We played well in spirits but did not finish the game like we wanted. Wins come from having good players being on the same page, “connected”, with each player contributing his part to the team,” Watson said.
The Pirates continue to exhibit that humility on and off the court and each win serves as a result from their practice and preparation.
