Photo and story by Stacy Bates
updated
Wed, Mar 21, 2012 10:22 AM
WEST RUTLAND-The Rutland Rec. Cobras reigned supreme as they
defeated the Proctor Phantoms in West Rutland's annual version of
March Madness known as the Glodzik Tournament. In this grueling
six-day competition 23 teams fought for the chance to advance to
the next round and participate in the coveted championship game.
The organizers of the Glodzik Tournament pulled out all the stops
and did NBA type team introductions and a darkened gym for a light
show, making it a special memory that the teams will remember for a
very long time.
The Cobras and Phantoms have faced each other twice before. During
the regular season the Cobras defeated the Phantoms but during the
Rutland Rec. sixth grade tournament Proctor guard Jack Morgan sunk
a 3-point shot at the buzzard to win the game and even the season
score. Both teams seem to be evenly matched in talent and
determination and the Glodzik game was no different.
The first quarter saw both teams pushing the ball quickly up the
floor and a lot of physical play underneath. By the end Proctor was
leading 10-6. Rutland Rec. came out and scored quickly to tie the
game up at 10-10 but four quick fast break points by Proctor's
Derek Almond put Proctor in the lead once again. The Cobras shut
down the Phantoms for the rest of the second quarter and right
before halftime the Cobras converted one of two foul shots to come
within 1-point, going into the locker room 14-13 Proctor.
At the beginning of the second half the Cobras came out strong
scoring the first four points and taking the lead. Proctor's Jack
Morgan answered back with a 3-pointer to tie the score but the
Cobras hit the offensive boards and were back on top 21-17 with two
minutes left in the quarter. Proctor could not get any or their
perimeter shots to fall and also couldn't get their inside game
going due to the strong Cobra defense. By the end of the quarter
the Cobras had extended their lead to 28-21.
The Cobra defense continued to play strong in the fourth quarter
causing timely Proctor turnovers and never allowing Proctor a clean
shot at the basket. The Cobras also owned the boards on both the
defensive and offensive ends, many times getting 2-3 attempts to
score in a possession.
All in all the Cobras played a very impressive game and came away
with a 36-26 victory. Congratulations to both the Cobras and
Phantoms for making it all the way through to the championship.
Tagged:
West Rutland, Rutland Rec. Cobras, Proctor Phantoms
