KZN: Maritzburg College vs. Westville
February 1, 2009 in KwaZulu Natal
Maritzburg College’s second game of the season saw them take on Westville Boys High School. Ten fixtures were played U14A, B, C, D, U15A, B, U16A, B, 1st and 2nd team. Maritzburg College was out sized in every fixture from U14 to 1st team. In all the A team games Maritzburg College fought back in the 4th Quarter to win their games. All 10 games were played with Maritzburg College winning 9 out 10, unfortunately only the U15B team lost their game.
The 1st team game lived up too all expectations, it was one of the most exciting games. The two first team coaches also had a point to prove, Llew Dodd was Michael Campbell’s old coach and mentor. The opening points came from Westville Boys High, big man No. 2 with a reverse jam, which lit up the crowd. Maritzburg College struggled in the 1st Quarter with their nerves getting the better of them. Due to Westville’s dominate height advantage points in the paint were hard to come by. Maritzburg College’s game plan was to get their opposing big men fouled out. Three quick fouls from one of Westville’s big men in the 2nd Quarter saw him on the bench which gave Maritzburg College the opportunity to claw their way back into the game. At the end of the 2nd Quarter Westville Boys High led by 7 points.The 3rd Quarter got on its way with both teams pulling out all the stops. When Maritzburg College hit a 3 pointer so would Westville Boys High. The point difference was still at 7 points at the end of the 3rd Quarter.
The 4th and last Quarter got on its way with both of Westville’s leading big men both on four fouls each and their star shooting on four fouls as well. Only one of Maritzburg College’s big men was in foul trouble as well as their shooting guard. With 3 minutes left in the game both Westville’s shooting guard and one of their big men where fouled out. Maritzburg College took full advantage of the situation. With 21 seconds left on the clock Maritzburg College were on the free throw line with the game tied. Number 4 Khaya Langa made both free throws and Maritburg College were up by 2 points. Westville attempted a quick fast break but Maritzburg College’s big man, Beasta, blocked his opponent, stole the ball and throw it to Khaya Langa to finish the fast break on the other end. Westville attempted to push the ball as quick as possible but unfortunately for Westville Phinda Dube of Marizburg College stole the ball and finished the open lay-up. Maritzburg College was leading by 6 points with 12 seconds left. Westville Boys high attempted to push the ball up the side of the court as quick as possible which led to Maritzburg College trapping Westville between the half way line and the out side line, resulting in a turn over. Maritzburg College held the ball for the remanding seconds to win the game.
Article supplied by Michael Campbell
