BELLOWS FALLS-The Terrier struggled offensively in the second half, shooting just 25% from the field on their way to dropping their home opener versus Long Trail 43-36.
“Just couldn’t hit that big shot in the 4th,” said head Coach Evan Chadwick. “Our defense kept us in it the whole game, which I am very proud of. The little things were the only difference in us pulling this one out against a very good Long Trail team.”
Photo by Kristie Lisai.
The Terriers jumped out early in the contest feeding big man, Owen LaRoss for three straight buckets inside, taking an 8-2 lead four minutes into the contest. Long Trail would cut the lead to 14-8 at the first break thanks to a late 4-0 run. “O took a big step forward today,” said Coach Chadwick. “He is finding that next level.”
The Terrier bench stepped up in the second, lead by Jaxson Clark’s and-1 and a deep three, that kept the Terriers at arms length. Jake Moore added three points off an inside bucket and a free throw and the Terriers ran to the locker room clinging to a 27-25 lead.
BF hung in in the second half, fueled by a tenacious and physical man defense. Despite only scoring 3 points in the third, Long Trail would only grab the lead off a buzzer beating corner three that gave them a 32-30 lead going into the fourth.
The offensive woes continued in the 4th as, despite getting the looks they wanted, the ball simply would not fall for the purple and white. Long Trail was able to extend the lead with 3 minutes to go and hit a couple of free throws down the stretch on their way to going 4-0 on the season.
Owen LaRoss led the Terriers with 14 points and 12 boards.
With the loss the Terriers drop to 1-2 on the season, They are back into the fire on Monday as they host Division 2 powerhouse Hartford at Holland Gym.
Bellows Falls Basketball 