Another year, another Morrissey Classic on the beautiful campus of University School. The first game of the 8th grade pool play featured the Saint Dominic Bulldogs and Holy Trinity Eagles.

The first half started off strong with both teams exchanging buckets back and forth. Early on the story of the game was defense, both teams defending the floor well forcing multiple turnovers. The Eagles shortly thereafter found their stride from the three point line, connecting on consecutive shots to give themselves an early 14-6 lead. It wouldn’t be easy for either team to take a commanding lead as the tough defense from both parties stalled the scoring for the time being. The Bulldogs were the first team to break this scoring drought as 4 consecutive fast break buckets gave the Bulldogs their first lead of the game at 20-18. Nearing the end of the half both teams received multiple free throws, both teams being unable to connect at the line leaving the game deadlocked at 20-18 in favor of the St. Dominic Bulldogs.

Coming out of the half, it was evident both teams made strong half time adjustments. For having such a defensive first half both teams seemed to have sacrificed their defense to play strong offense. As both teams traded baskets St. Dominic still maintained an early 25-24 lead. The spurt of offense would be short lived as both teams showed strong defense, but the fundamental offense was fluid for the Bulldogs as they gained their biggest lead of the game at 31-26. The Eagles wouldn’t go down easy as the lead for the Bulldogs was quickly erased after a few turnovers flipped the game on its head giving the Eagles their first lead since the first half of 32-31. The Eagles would collect one more bucket making the lead 34-31 with a minute thirty remaining on the clock. The Eagles made an attempt to try and stall the last few seconds of the game when a loose ball caused a jump ball that went in favor of the Bulldogs. The Bulldogs had one last chance at a victory with their final possession of the game. After a few last desperation shots like Bulldogs couldn’t find the open three pointer, ending the game on a layup. Thus giving the Eagles the 34-33 win in a thrilling game.