Seahawks fall to First State Military Academy
A fast start was not enough to secure the first win of the season for the Sussex Academy boys’ basketball team, as the Seahawks fell to First State Military Academy 40-36 Jan. 29.
Leading 10-8 after the first quarter and 15-13 at halftime, the Seahawks were unable to expand on their lead before First State Military started their comeback in the third quarter.
“We came out and we kind of put some pressure on them to begin with, and we started with some great energy,” said coach Brad Leinbach. “We lost a little bit of momentum when both of our bigs, Mason Glover and Ben Tollett, picked up fouls, but, to the bench’s credit, they came in, they kind of held on to it, but we lost an opportunity to extend it.”
The Bulldogs effectively shut down the Seahawks' offense in the third, taking a 26-19 lead into the final frame. Tollett was the only Sussex Academy player to score in the third, and used his momentum to add another nine points to his team-high 13 points.
“Every game, Ben's game develops a little bit more,” Leinbach said. “He gains confidence every possession and he gains confidence every game.”
Unfortunately for the Seahawks, Tollett fouled out with the Bulldogs leading 36-30. Sussex Academy extended the game with fouls. Freshman Tyler Jarrell hit two clutch threes to keep them in striking distance, but First State Military Academy made four of six free throws to seal the 40-36 win.
