Sophomore forward Avery Nicastro-Aikman crossovers as he shakes past three Mustang defenders on his way to the basket. The Cardinals went on to decisively defeat the Mustangs 50-33. Jeremy Gaines View more photos from this gallery >
Legendary Celtics player Larry Bird once said, “Push yourself again and again. Don't give an inch until the final buzzer sounds.”
During their championship game on Feb. 11 this is exactly what the Lowell Cardinals tried to do in their last-second attempt, to make a shot before the final buzzer against their opponent, the Washington Eagles. In the midst of everybody holding their breaths, the team was once again deprived of its first place trophy, losing 35-36.
With many violent falls, fouls, spectacular blocks and last-minute shots, the championship was, as a bystander shouted, “a true championship game.” With the opposing team consisting of many taller and bigger players, the chances of victory for Lowell seemed slim.
Against the odds, the Cardinals were leading in the first quarter, fell behind a little in the second quarter, and then pulled ahead in the third quarter. By the end of the fourth quarter, the winner was still undetermined. However, bad calls plagued the team “We had a lot of unnecessary fouls and turnovers,” starting point guard Bryan Robinson said.
In the end, a lucky Eagle three-pointer sealed the championship for the Washington Eagles in a ridiculously close game. “Everything that could have gone wrong went wrong,” sophomore guard Jorell Cacatian said.
Before the championship loss, the Cardinals took revenge on the Mustangs from last season, triumphing 50-33 in the playoffs on Feb. 9. The Mustangs had a few outstanding players that scored a majority of their points, but the Cardinals prevailed with their consistent teamwork. “It was perfect. They executed everything I asked them to do,” Head Coach Aaron Koga said.
With many of the sophomores projected to advance to varsity next year, the starters have high hopes for many talented freshmen, such as freshman point guard Matthew Quesada, to continue the JV legacy. “Quesada is the fastest freshman on the team,” sophomore forward Avery Nicastro-Aikman said. “Unlike most freshmen on the team, he plays in a lot of the games.”
In addition to the new freshmen recruits this season, new to the team is sophomore forward Max Pollard. “He is a good player,” Nicastro-Aikman said. “Most of the time, he is one of the first off the bench to help relieve a person on the court who is tired.”
MVP
The Lowell’s pick for MVP this season is sophomore center Jackson Miao, who has been an indispensable and essential player to the Cardinals. “He leads in rebounds and blocks,” Cacatian said.
Most of his teammates recognize Miao as a calm and collected player with a strong presence and encouraging attitude. His coaches also think he sets an excellent example on the court. “He plays and everyone plays up to his level,” Koga said. “He does a fantastic job leading the team.”
Sophomore forward Avery Nicastro-Aikman crossovers as he shakes past three Mustang defenders on his way to the basket. The Cardinals went on to decisively defeat the Mustangs 50-33. Jeremy Gaines View more photos from this gallery > |
