Proctor Phantoms v. Leland and Gray Rebels

Drew Barnum wins tip off

TOWNSHEND - The Proctor Phantoms were shut down by the Leland and Gray Rebels on Thursday, February 7.  After leading by four points through the first three quarters, the Rebels were finally able to shake the Phantoms off their tail to ultimately win 49-32.

The game took a slow turn right out of the gates.  After senior captain Billy Nupp's foul shot to start off the game, both teams struggled to get more points.  It was evident right from the beginning that the Phantoms' limited height would take a toll on their outcome of the game.  The Rebels immediately dominated down low both on offense and defense, although their baskets were surprisingly scarce.  The Phantoms continued to shoot from the outside until junior Ryan Petrini hit a three to get his team on the board.  By the end of the quarter, the Rebels only led by four.

Barnum (center) guarding Petrini (right)

The outside-inside contrast continued throughout the remainder of the game as the Phantoms continued to sink deep jumpers while the Rebels made a living with their put-backs.  The momentum wasn't in favor of any team in particular but the difference in the score seemed to stay the same.  The only exception to this was when Petrini hit two pairs of foul shots in the third quarter to bring his team up 28-27, the only lead they would have that game.

In the fourth quarter, junior Jake Sherman was fouled three consecutive times to give the Rebels a rally.  On the third foul, Sherman was able to shoot both his free throws and an additional pair of technical foul shots were called.  Bergeron was picked by coach Nystrom to take the shots, going 1-2.  Out of the seven total foul shots in that short window of time, four were made.

Bergeron shooting technical foul shots

Bergeron with a block

The Rebels went on to rally the rest of the quarter to win the game 49-32, leaving the Phantoms in the dust.  The most notable player of the game was Bergeron who led the team with sixteen total points, seventeen total rebounds and seven blocks.  The most notable player for the Phantoms was Petrini who led his team with fifteen points and went 6-7 at the free throw line.   

The Phantoms (8-6) have now dropped from fourth to fifth place in the Division IV rankings while the Rebels (11-3) have maintained their second place position in Division III.  The next game for the Rebels is against the Bellows Falls Terriers in Bellows Falls Monday, February 11.