Shamrock boys fall to Laingsburg

On Thursday, January 16th, the Shamrocks made the long trip over to Laingsburg for a showdown with the 5-1 Laingsburg Wolfpack. The Wolfpack proved to be too much, and they beat the Shamrocks 61-43. In the first quarter, the Wolfpack defense stifled the Shamrocks, holding them to 4 free throws. John Schneider and Tyler Coyne both went 2-2 from the charity stripe. Laingsburg took a 15-4 lead going into the second quarter. The second quarter was similar, with the Shamrocks able to muster 8 points, but the Wolfpack pulling further ahead with 16. Ryan Lay led the Shamrocks with 5 points, and Connor Cross put in 4. This left the score 31-12 at halftime. After the break, St. Patrick showed signs of life, scoring 15 in the quarter. Led by Sam Mauren with 6 and Connor Cross with 5, the Shamrocks competed well in the quarter but still came out behind, losing the quarter 18-15. Laingsburg led 46-30 heading into the final quarter. The fourth quarter was again reasonably close, with the Wolfpack closing out the game with a 15-13 advantage. The Shamrocks were led by Chase Fitzsimmons who put in 6 points. Offensive leaders for the Shamrocks were Ryan Lay with 11 points 12 rebounds 1 steal and 1 block, Connor Cross with 10 points 2 rebounds and 1 assist, and Sam Mauren with 6 points 3 assists 2 steals and 1 rebound. Coach Pettit was disappointed. "Another tough one tonight. We can't afford to start off with such slow starts as we did tonight. We came out with a little fire in the second half, and we need that energy and effort from the tip. I am disappointed in our effort on the glass tonight, and we have to learn to value the basketball. If we don't fix those things, its going to be tough sledding. We head to Morrice on Monday, and I know we can't wait to get this taste out of our mouths." The Shamrocks play next on Monday, January 20th at Morrice.