Germantown Academy shuts down Freire Charter at Jim Fenerty Make-a-Wish Tourney
WHITEMARSH >> Germantown Academy’s defense dug in early Saturday night, and it was defense that shaped the Patriots’ 59-29 victory over visiting Freire Charter as part of the Jim Fenerty Make-a-Wish Tournament.
“I think that’s a big part of our focus,” said the Patriots’ Luke Marvin. “The defensive presence is always a big factor for our team.”
“It starts with our defense,” said coach Matt Dolan. “Over the last two days, we’ve had a better intensity level and commitment to the defensive end. And when we get into league play, we’re gonna have to be able to defend teams.”
The Patriots had all doors closed and locked against the Dragons, as GA rolled to a 20-point advantage by halftime.
“I thought we brought the energy right from the start, tonight and (Friday) night,” said Marvin. “We just kept rolling.”
Blake Smith led GA with 15 points, Casey Traina had 12, Leo McElroy added 10, Luke Topley nine and Marvin had eight. Conversely, the Patriots allowed just one player (Tamir Deloach with 10) to reach double figures.
“When we get stops, we’re able to get out and run, which is when we’re at our best,” Dolan said. “We knew (Freire) was going to be dribble drive. And so we had to be very good on the ball.”
As a result, the Patriots had things well under control and its offense also found its flow.
Marvin buried a three in the opening moments and Traina was cutting to the basket, his back-to-back layups helping to provide a 7-2 jump.
GA led 9-2 and 11-5 in the opening minutes, with Marvin and Traina leading the way.
The Patriots took a 17-9 lead into the second quarter.
GA continued to close down the lanes on the defensive end and worked the ball around to find open shots. The Pats built their lead to 35-15 by the break.
“We’re very versatile,” Dolan said of the offensive side of things. “We’re not very good when we’re stagnant, when we’re standing around. So creating some movement – they played zone a lot – was key. And when everybody’s involved, there’s a contagious energy to that. And now guys are more confident and we’re playing better.”
The Patriots extended their lead in the third quarter, with another three by Marvin helping to widen the gap.
“They were in a two-three zone most of the game. We were knocking down shots and moving the ball so they eventually had to go to man,” Marvin said. “And then we just killed them on the drive and kick.”
Germantown Academy 59, Freire Charter 29
Freire Charter 9 6 6 8 – 29
Germantown Academy 17 18 12 12 – 59
Freire Charter: Maleek Sims 2 4-4 8, Brandon Williams 1 0-0 3, Jahmair Atwell-Fisher 2 0-0 4, Tamir Deloach 4 2-2 10, Makel Butts 1 2-2 4. Totals 10 8-8 29.
Germantown Academy: Finn Brooks 1 0-0 3, Blake Smith 7 1-2 15, Casey Traina 5 1-1 12, Luke Marvin 3 0-0 8, Luke Topley 4 0-0 9, Leo McElroy 4 0-0 10, Bryce Rollerson 1 0-0 2. Totals 25 2-3 59.
3-pointers: FC-Williams; GA-Brooks, Traina, Marvin 2, Topley, McElroy 2.
