Knights U12 Boys team suffered a heartbreaking defeat last night against their rivals, Taurus BC. This would be the third time this season both teams competed in Division 3. Back in October 2023 saw Knights suffer a 41 – 21 defeat to Taurus, and again in January 2023,
However Knights would claim the points due to Taurus not fulfilling a full panel on the day. This time Taurus arrived with a full squad ready for business while Knights were looking to pull off a major upset.
In the first quarter tensions were high as Taurus went in to Team fouls within the first 4 mins. The game started out close, with both teams trading baskets in a back-and-forth for first quarter that ended with Taurus clinging to a slim one point lead.
The second quarter of the game saw a dramatic shift in play as Taurus brought out their biggest players onto the court. With their new towering lineup, Taurus was able to dominate with their size advantage and impose their will in the paint. Their two new big men were twin towers, standing well tall of knights biggest player, controlling the boards and paint on both ends of the court.
On offense, Taurus pounded the ball inside and their bigs either scored with power moves and layups, or kicked it out to open shooters when the defense collapsed. Knights simply had no answer for the size and physicality of Taurus’ new frontline.
On defense, Taurus’ length and wingspan made it nearly impossible for the Knights’ guards and wings to get any good looks or lanes to the basket. By the end of the second Quarter Taurus had racked up 17 points.
In the Third Quarter Knights dismounted Taurus offense holding them to 12 points. Despite Taurus valiant efforts and impressive display of skills in the earlier half of the game, where they executed remarkable baskets with powerful drives, they ultimately fell short in overcoming Knights in this quarter. Knights continued to hit hard with their offence, hitting clutch free throws down the stretch to seal a 1 point victory in the quarter by scoring 13 points.
In the Fourth Quarter Knight’s determination and talent were evident as they fought hard on the court, but Taurus’s strong defense and strategic gameplay proved to be too much for them to overcome and holding them to a scoreless Fourth quarter.
Despite the outcome, Knight’s performance was commendable and showed great potential for future success in the game and certainly deserve their promotion into the U13 Division 2.
An action-packed Top Four Final playoff is now in the rearview, and a number of winners and losers emerged from this game. Though they lost, the young Knights team showed tremendous heart and determination against the more experienced formally Division 1 Taurus squad.
As coaches we are proud of their effort and can ask nothing more of them expect a positive learning experience from this loss. The rowdy home crowd also energised the Knights, nearly willing them to an improbable comeback win. In the end, the Taurus were just too much to overcome on this night.
But, with continued hard work, the Knights are confident they can compete with any team going forward. This loss will only make them more hungry and prepared for their next matchup against as tough opponents in the new season of 2024
Final Score Knight 22 – Taurus 42