BY ABIGAIL SWANSON
The Lebanon Cedar boys faced Manheim Township Blue Streaks on Friday night.
In the first quarter, it wasn’t hard to tell that it was going to be an extremely defensive game. Both teams were playing such good defense, neither could get any shots up.
The first shot was only put up minutes into the game, a foul shot from the Blue Streaks. Seconds later, Lebanon senior Marquis Ferreira shoots and makes a three.
Township was ahead of Lebanon in the sense of grabbing and pulling rebounds left and right. Closing off the first quarter, the bobcats were at a 13-12 lead.
Smart plays were played by both teams going into the second quarter. Lebanon played aggressively in the paint, forcing Township to have to shoot overhead.
With a few seconds left until halftime, the Cedars attempted to put up a shot to tie the game, but got the ball stolen by the Blue Streaks. Halftime score was led by Township 23-21.
Going into the third quarter, Township strengthened their defense in the paint, which as previously, forced Lebanon to shoot overhead. Ending the third quarter, the opponents were tied for 36, after two three pointers were made by the Cedars.
Starting off the last quarter, the Blue Streaks overcame the Cedars’ strong defense, and made the first two points of the final quarter. Lebanon set up a full course press to try to stop Township from pushing up the court.
The last half of the quarter intensified, as both teams were neck and neck with points. This continued as they went into overtime.
The result of overtime was in the Blue Streaks’ favor. Both teams put up an aggressive fight, and had lots of support from their respective schools.
You will see the Cedar boys at home again on February 7th, against Lower Dauphin.
