Friday, January 29, 2016 by Aidan Joly
In a strong defensive effort, Saratoga was able to pin down the offense of La Salle.
The Saratoga Blue Streaks varsity boys’ basketball defeated the La Salle Cadets on Tuesday night at Saratoga High School, dismantling them by a score of 53-33, in a phenomenal defensive effort by the Streaks.
The Saratoga defense held the Cadets to just seven field goals on the night, including only one during a two-point third quarter. La Salle counted two during each of the three other quarters.
“We did a pretty good job in our zone, obviously they didn’t shoot the ball great, which happens, but I thought we mixed it up a little bit from our full court press,” Saratoga head coach Matt Usher said of his team after the game.
Saratoga came out firing in the first quarter, quickly pulling out to an 11-2 lead in the first four minutes, and led 13-6 after the first quarter. They led 21-15 at the half, and then allowed only two points in the third quarter, the least they have allowed in a quarter this season.
“That was huge. At halftime, coach (Usher) told us that the third quarter was the biggest quarter, and we came out wanting to prove a point,” Alex Skaine said.
Skaine led the Blue Streaks in points in the game, with 12. Adam Anderson had 10 and Brian Hart added seven.
Usher had taken Hart out of the starting lineup for this game, in favor of Zak Clarke, and he talked about the depth of his team which led to that move.
“I think it varies from game to game, Zak’s done a great job, he’s been working his butt off all season, and he gives us a presence inside,” he said.
Hart said of the move, “Anybody on this team can play very good minutes, and everybody is deserving.”
Alijah Gibbs led the Cadets with eight points on the night, followed closely behind by Dominick Parker, who had seven, and Carson Stewart, who added five points.
La Salle falls to 8-7 on the season with the loss.
Saratoga improves to 10-6 this season (9-6 in league play), and improves their potential seed when sectionals begin in mid-February. They will be back in action on the road this Friday, January 29, taking on CBA. This will be the first of a three game road trip, with games also at Niskayuna and Shaker. They will be back at home on Tuesday, February 9, taking on rivals Shenendehowa in the 2016 Senior Night game. That game is set for 7 p.m.