Shamrock boys drop close one to Morrice Orioles

On Monday, January 20th the St. Patrick Shamrocks traveled to Morrice for a basketball game with the Morrice Orioles. Despite falling down by more than 10 early, the Shamrocks kept fighting only to lose by 3 in the final minutes. The final score was 57-54. In the first quarter, the Orioles came out on fire and went 4-4 from three pointers. The Shamrocks kept it reasonable, but were still down 21-12 after the first. Ryan Lay led the Shamrocks, scoring 4. In the second quarter, St. Patrick stormed back. Led by 6 points from Connor Cross, and 5 points from Sam Mauren, the Shamrocks won the quarter 18-11 and were only down two going into half time with a score of 32-30. After halftime, a well fought quarter led to the Orioles extending their lead, winning the quarter 15-13 and leaving the Shamrocks down 47-43 after three quarters. Connor Cross led the Shamrocks, scoring 6 points. The fourth quarter was intense, with the Shamrocks looking to take the lead multiple times, but not able to get over the hump. The Shamrocks won the quarter 11-10, but lost the game. Connor Cross and Tyler Coyne both put in three for the Shamrocks. Offensive leaders for the Shamrocks were Connor Cross with 17 point 11 rebounds 7 assists and 1 block, Ryan Lay with 12 points 9 rebounds 1 assist 1 steal and 1 block. Coach Pettit had this to say. "I am proud of the boys for the way they battled and played tough through contact, and Morrice's hot shooting to start the game. We did a lot of things that we wanted to do, but came up short at the free throw line. Going 3 of 14 isn't going to help you win close ball games. We got some good contribution from a lot of different guys, Connor controlled the glass and led us with 17 and Ryan Lay who has been very solid for us this year again rebounded very well and got 12 points. We will keep working and getting better, the kids have been upbeat and grinding, I think we are getting close to turning the corner." The Shamrocks travel to Fulton on Wednesday, January 22nd.