State tournament game 3: Carolina Phenoms 38, Triangle Flight 26

Sunday morning brought bracket play for the state tournament at Fletcher Academy, with Triangle Flight paired against the Carolina Phenoms (from the Burlington area, as well as Planet Baller, apparently) in the first win-or-go-home game of the day.

With the Phenoms using a variety of defenses and alternating between halfcourt and three-quarter court traps, the Flight actually handled the ball fairly effective. But the shots weren't falling, and the Flight shot just 2-for-17 in the first half. The Phenoms used that cold stretch to build a 25-7 halftime advantage. They also took advantage of a very unique call on a made three-pointer, as the Flight were whistled for the foul on the shot. But then the foul was ruled to come after the shot, and the officials gave possession back to the Phenoms. As the Phenoms coach--remember, this is the guy who benefited from the call--said, "I'm just telling you, that was wrong."

With both teams substituting liberally in the second half, the Flight actually outscored the Phenoms, 19-13, in the final 12 minutes. Even more notable, perhaps, was a comment by one of the Phenom parents (a group with roughly the same volume level of a departing jet engine). While being congratulated after the game on their win, this particular Phenom mom (try saying that three times fast) replied, "Your team has the best sportsmanship of any team we've ever played. I really like the way you play."

Quite a compliment coming from an opposing parent.

Shot of the day: Shaun took the ball very nearly coast-to-coast early in the second half, weaving his way through the Phenoms defense in the backcourt, crossing over near midcourt, penetrating inside the three-point line and then scoring off the glass near the free throw line.

Big on the boards: Patrick quietly had a very solid game, scoring eight points and hauling down six rebounds. 

Defensive award: Watching Gabe play defense is to watch a player with no regard for his own body. Late in the second half, Gabe threw himself on the floor to force a jump ball. 

Stat of the day: The Phenoms attempted a dozen more field goals than the Flight, which might make you think that Flight had trouble holding on to the ball. But they actually managed their turnovers fairly well, coughing it up only 24 times against an aggressive, ballhawking defense. The discrepancy in field goal attempts is because the Phenoms hit the offensive boards extremely hard, often getting multiple shots on the same possession.

Game 3 box score

                         1st     2nd      Total

Phenoms           25      13         38

Flight                 7       19         26

Field goal shooting

Phenoms 16-53 (30.2%)

Flight: 10-41 (24.4%)

Free throw shooting

Phenoms 5-12 (41.7%)

Flight 5-8 (62.5%)