BE takes third in the Round Ball Classic

Pass.

Pass.

Pass.

Shoot.

Or don’t shoot.

Finish with the play as planned.

That’s disciplined basketball.

And that’s the kind of basketball the Bishop England Battling Bishops played in its match up against the North Charleston High School Cougars. The two teams battled it out in the Round Ball Classic Friday afternoon at The Citadel with the Bishops taking third place in a tournament that featured some of the top teams and players in the nation.

BE held on to an early lead to beat the Cougars 49-57. And while it wasn’t the kind of play that brings crowds to their feet with fast breaks ending with slam dunks, it was the kind of play that puts a mark in the "W" column.

BE’s disciplined attack was in high gear at the end of the first half and at the end of the game.

Leading 18-25 after Joseph Wade’s three-pointer with 1:15 to play in the first half, the Bishops regained control of the ball with just over thirty ticks left on the clock. BE pulled their offense back and moved the ball, working the clock to preserve the final shoot of the half. Daniel Eykyn rebounded a missed shot and put it up as time ran out. A delayed call by the referee gave BE two more points and an 18-27 lead going into the halftime break.

The Cougars came out strong in the second half, battling to within three points, 26-29, with 12:25 to play. But Bishop England took control of the boards, played intense defensive and worked for good shoots, extending their lead to 38-50 with 3:28 to play.

And again disciplined basketball took over. Bishop England had a three on one fast break with 30 seconds to play but passed it out to the back court let time run off the clock. A Cougar foul, followed by a made BE foul shot closed at the scoring, 49-57

BE improved its record to 8-2. The next home game is Friday night against Northwoods academy. Visit www.besport.net for more information about game schedules, statistics, and all BE sports.