Best of the EMAC 2023-24

Prologue
Its the EMAC game of the year as Math & Science with league MVP candidate Josh Balami visit Avail.  Since a group of rhinos is called a crash, I'm now calling the Avail gym The Crash Pad.  Its Avail's home opener after playing their 1st 6 on the road.  The concession stand is open but no ball in the nachos.   Tom Petty's Runnin Down a Dream and Tears for Fears Everybody Wants to Rule the World amongst the hit music selections.

Game Time
Balami attacks for a bucket on the 1st trip of the game and scores 4 of the first 5 Dragons buckets.   Kiro Kamel adds a 3 point play and its 14-12 Math & Science at the 11 minute mark.  Lincoln Bock 2 putbacks and a free throw as Avail turns the tables to take a 23-19 lead with 8:22 left in the half. Justin Kroeze 3 late buckets countered by 2 more Balami hoops.  45-43 Avail at the break.

We're still close at 53-50 Avail after a Zeb Shefa 3 from the left corner.  Then Issac Aune knocks down a pair of triples to start a 14-0 run.  Valor score on 6 straight trips for that run.  The Rhino is in control up 17 with under 12 minutes left.  Zachariah Schaap drives for a bucket with 8:22 left and that puts him at 1000 points for his career.  Its a 17 point game with 3:15 left before a late run allows Avail to hit the century mark.

Post Game
Math & Science gets 39 points from Josh Balami.  He knocked down 4 3s on the night as he tried to will his crew on.  Guard Kiro Kamel with a nice performance of 15 points with a couple of 3s.  He had 13 of those points in the 1st half.  The Dragons fall to 2-5 with the loss and have lost 5 of 6 since the opening night win at Eagle Ridge.  They have the quick turnaround at Nova on Friday.

Avail improves to 3-4 overall.  Their 4 losses are by a combined 13 points.  That includes a 1 point loss at New Life and a 3 point loss at Heritage.  Those are 2 of the favorites in section 4A.  Isaac Aune 15 of his 26 in the second half thanks to 5 3s.  He's a dangerous big wing shooter.  Zachariah Schaap 13 of his 20 in the 2nd half to pass 1000 points for his career.  Justin Kroeze adds 17 with 2 others scoring 9.  The early season schedule has been tough but softens up now to the point where they may be favored in most every game the rest of the regular season.  They get AFSA and LILA at home with a trip to West Lutheran sandwiched between those for their last 3 games before the holiday break.  Avail pounds the offensive glass for a 21-5 edge and 14-2 advantage in 2nd chance points.  They shoot 21-34 in the 2nd half to blow the game open.  Avail is a fun team to watch as they share the ball, make open shots, get rebounds and cut well.

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