M’s bring out the energy against Bulldogs

• Homer falls to Nikiski in squeaker at home

By Sean Pearson
Homer Tribune

High-energy basketball is back at Homer High School.
While many Mariner teams in the past have been famous for their quick game of “run and gun” basketball, this year’s M’s seem to just have a little more spark.
“I was very pleased with the way we played Saturday,” said Homer Head Coach Mark Casseri said of the Mariners’ 42-44 loss to the Nikiski Bulldogs. “The difference in the game came down to them making free throws, while we did not.”
Casseri said his Mariners went 4 for 10 from the line, while Nikiski shot 14 of 26.
“Obviously, shooting 53.8 percent is far better than our 40 percent,” he said.
The M’s got off to a strong start against the Bulldogs, taking an 18-16 lead going into the half. However, early season miscues and limited communication on the court made it difficult for Homer to keep up their offensive threat.
Trailing by only two points in the final seconds of the game, Casseri attempted to execute two plays designed specifically for this type of situation.
“In the final few seconds, I designed two plays and we tried to run them both,” he explained. “The first was stopped due to a travel call. On the second one, we got the shot off that we wanted, but the ball just didn’t fall for us. 
Casseri said the team spent part of practice Monday watching the game film and looking a the little things they need to improve upon as they head further into the season.
“I could not have asked more from each of my players,” Casseri said. “We had two players in double figures and one player earned a double, double. Luke had 10 points, and Devon had 14 points with 12 rebounds.”
The Mariners head to Cordova this weekend to take on the Wolverines in a double header. Homer squares off against Cordova at 6 p.m. Friday, and 5:30 p.m. on Saturday.
They return home for the annual alumni game on Dec. 26.

Varsity Boys
Homer 42, Nikiski 44

Homer: Walsworth, 1 0-1 2; Garvey, 5 0-0 10; Jester, 3 0-0 7; Anderson, 2 0-0 4; Day 1 2-2 5; Kennelty, 6 2-7 14.
Nikiski: Anderson, 3 4-9 11; Seater, 1 0-1 2; Wik, 1 6-6 9; Herrin, 5 3-6 13; Kregseng, 4 1-4 9.
3-Pointers: Homer, 2 (Jester, Day); Nikiski, 2.
Fouled out: Walsworth, Jester

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Posted by Newsroom on Dec 16th, 2009 and filed under Sports. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0. Both comments and pings are currently closed.

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