The ISB boys Blue Terriers squad took a tough 49-39 defeat at home against Salem Academy on Monday, December 5th. This game was a big step up in competition for the Blue Terriers facing a very game ready and strong Salem squad. Playing in front of both girls varsity teams and their family and friends, the ISB gym was plenty noisy for this one.
Salem started out fast racing out to a quick 8-0 lead behind two 3 pointers and a layup to start the scoring. Coach Holloway got a quick early time out to calm down his young squad. The margin stayed pretty consistent at near 15 points for most of the 1st half.
Free throw shooting has historically been an issue for the ISB squad, but on this day, it kept the margin manageable at the half. Charles Wirth hit 5 out 6 and Kasper DeBoek 2-2 to keep the game at a manageable 9 point game at the half despite being wholly outplayed to that point.
The Blue Terriers fell behind again in the 2nd half and the lead ballooned to 20 behind some bad ISB passing and crisp Salem offense.
With nothing to lose, and everything to gain, freshman Charles Wirth stepped up in a big way. Imploring their young scorer to shoot more, the Blue Terriers coaches voices finally broke through.
Wirth, who's known for his sweet jumpshooting stroke brought the ball down and let rip a three pointer from the top of the key that touched nothing but net and the hardwood below. On the very next possession he came down and duplicated his effort once again. As any good team will do, the Salem defense keyed in on Wirth. He proceeded to fake a shot in the same spot at the top of the key and got his defender in the air and he jumped into him to draw the foul and receiving 3 free throws like Reggie Miller in his day. He made 2 of 3 and the Blue Terriers were right back in the game as Salem called a timeout to stop the bleeding.
From there, the teams played to a defensive war of attrition down the stretch. The Blue terriers could have lost this game by 30 if not for their tough defense and fight back.
The Blue Terriers will next face Eagle Hill School away in their annual Christmas Tournament at Chapel Hill-Chauncy Hall School on Thursday, December 8th.
Go Blue Terriers!