“Nouvel survives rivalry game”

Let’s just say this game was very interesting!  Two completely different perspectives- on one end you had a B.V. team that felt like they were not only playing Nouvel, but the officials as well.  On the other end you had a tough minded Nouvel team that felt like they drew up the perfect game plan.  Lead changes were back and forth and emotions were flying. 

But there is one fact- Nouvel will use a 43-42 win to advance to the District Championship game against the highly favored Reese Rockets.

Charles Sparks set the tone early for Nouvel, as his hoops skills and ball control gave Nouvel confidence that his Panther team could play with the speedy and athletic Knight team.  Nouvel also slowed B.V. down by stalling on offense and sitting in a tight 2-3 zone on defense.  The outcome was a 5-5 game after one quarter and a 16-13 Nouvel lead at the half. 

In the third quarter Dedo Jackson attacked and broke the Panther zone and the quick sophomore found open shots for his teammates.  The Knights took the lead back and carried it into the fourth quarter.

The two rivals exchanged blow for blow for the final eight minutes.  A Mitch Mulcahy 3-pointer and a Sparks tip back gave Nouvel a 37-33 lead.  Buena Vista responded with two Jackson free throws and a Jemond Patrick 16-footer to tie the score with 2:17 to play.

Another Mulcahy basket gave Nouvel a two point lead.  Then the game got real interesting.  Some questionable calls led to some technical fouls, and the game seemed over as Nouvel led 42-37 with 20 seconds to play.  B.V. never gave up as they forced a turnover and a Joe Bond’s 3-pointer made the score 43-42 but B.V. didn’t have enough time to foul sending Nouvel into the district final.          

BREAKDOWN

Game Ball- Chucky Sparks #24 I am happy to see Sparks smiling…the move from Bridgeport to Nouvel was tough for the junior combo guard especially after watching Bridgeport have a good season. But this is why Sparks made the move- to play in games like this and have a chance to lead a team to the State Championship.  Sparks is one of the most underrated players in the state.  The 6-3 guard only scored 12 points but he had 8 rebounds, and 4 assist; not to mention he controlled the game’s tempo.

Dedo Jackson, #23 BV- I told you in my “Class C” preview that Jackson’s point guard ability would be key, and he played above expected even though his team fell short.  Jackson is one of those PG’s that any coach would love.  He is determined to feed his teammates and he was the only Knight that could get inside Nouvel’s zone. 

Jemond Patrick, #24 BV- when the year started I didn’t know how good Patrick really was, but he now has my total respect.  He is a very intelligent and respectful young man that can flat out play the game!  He has proven he is good enough to play at the next level.  Patrick can shoot with the best of them as well as run the point.