This week during practice, Coach Drake made an emphasis to focus on free throws. His team took the message to heart because they were 21 out of 25 from the free throw line tonight. With that effort, Northern Nash defeats Southern Nash 67-56.
One of the things that made this game different was that Northern Nash (17-4, 5-2) was sent to the line multiple times and they were able to capitalize on the free throw line.
From the start of the game, Northern Nash was in control; they were playing great offensively and they were knocking down shots. In one of the keys outlined pre-game, I said they would live or die by the 3 – they only made 2 during the game. With the way they were playing though, it didn’t really matter.
For Southern Nash, they struggled against a great defensive front put on by Northern Nash. There were glimpses of hope during the game that Southern could cut the lead, but they were only able to get it down to 8 before Northern would take over again and it would be back to a double digit lead.
Northern Nash was not afraid to take the big shots in this game and they were able to control most of the 2nd half. Coach Drake told his team, “The simple things are going to keep us winning and tonight it was shooting free throws and getting back on defense.” This was one of the best free throw performances for Northern this season. Northern Nash’s goal for the rest of the season is to win the Big East Title and to avenge the lost to Rocky Mount. “They are starting to understand situational basketball,” Coach Drake said of his team. This is something you have to help a young team learn. Northern continues to improve in this area with each game this season.
Moving forward in the weeks to come, Coach Drake said his focus is “Patience on offense, valuing the basketball and playing better defense. I think we have done that the past two games.” In addition to that, Northern Nash also wants to clean up turnovers and control the basketball more.
Northern Nash is on the road at Franklinton Tuesday night while Southern Nash will visit Hunt.
ENC Sports Review 