Last season the Milford boys’ basketball team finished with a 12-8 record, not exactly the season coach Lamarr Shorts was looking for. However, all through last year’s campaign you could see glimpses of what the Buccaneers were capable of. After the season opener, this team may have the makings of something special.
Wednesday night at Milford Central Academy, the Bucs made a statement. While it was only one game, the play was inspired as Milford defeated John Dickinson 69-21. While one win does not a season make, the team play demonstrated by Milford should bode well as the season progresses.
From the outset the Buccaneers made it known they had come to play. Running multiple defensive sets, Milford was always in control. While Milford may have missed a few layups early in the game, they soon settled into a dynamic rhythm for the rest of the first half. After ending the first quarter with a 22-8 advantage, they kept up the pressure and asserted themselves on offense, with both the inside and outside game clicking.
Milford had a streak where they hit three-point shot after three-point shot, something that was missing at times last year. While it would not be expected for Milford to be so hot from three-point range, it was a weapon that was lacking last season.
“We passed the ball well out of our set pieces tonight and when the open three was there our guys were very confident in their shooting.” coach Shorts said.
Milford allowed only four points in the second quarter and took a 52-12 advantage into the locker room. The second half was played with a running clock as Milford just continued to extend their advantage. While it is only one game, it is promising that Milford got a solid win in their first game.
“We played well as a team tonight and that is something to build on. It’s a very long season and we know that there are a lot of things we need to improve on, we made mistakes, and we will have to fix them,” Shorts stated. “The one thing that is for sure is that the attitude and spirit was really there and that is what we are going to expect every game.”
Junior Kaisan Bacon was the top scorer in the game with 21 points, his first as a Buccaneer. Next on the score sheet was his brother Karon Bacon, who netted 17, also his first as a Buc. Another new Buccaneer is sophomore Adrian Keaton who had five points along with 7 rebounds on the evening.
Having previously played for other schools, Shorts was asked about the new players that had transferred in and he instantly responded with a correction.
“These are players that live in our district and decided they wanted to come home and represent their hometown. It’s great to have them here and they are going to be key members for us. It’s great to have them in our maroon and gold family.” Shorts said.
Speaking with one of the team captains, sophomore Mike Mullen, it is clear that this team has set a high standard.
“Every time we lace up, it is with a purpose. Whether it’s a game or practice, we are pushing ourselves to get better. While the score looked good tonight, we know that we have a long way to go to reach our potential,” Mullen said. “Tomorrow it’s back to work, back to getting better. We have a real belief in each other and that was evident tonight. Guys making the extra pass, playing solid defense, those are the things that make a team, and we are going to continue to work and get better all the time.”
