Sussex Academy boys win wild one 49-48 in Governor’s Challenge

It’s safe to say the Sussex Academy basketball teams are enjoying the winter break after the boys’ squad squeaked out a 49-48 over Holly Grove Dec. 29 to reach the final of its Governor’s Challenge bracket. 

“It wasn't pretty, but we came back, fought hard and got the win,” said sophomore Farmar Amisial.

Pretty or not, the dub could be a springboard for the second half of the winter schedule.

“It lifts a little bit of pressure off these boys,” coach Brad Leinbach said. “They're trying so hard, and it’s like the old phrase, you give the dog a little bit of a bone. These guys have been working so hard, and they know they can win games. At the start of the season, we didn't get off to where we wanted to, and now they see a little bit of what their effort can bring them.”

Sussex Academy jumped out to an early 19-12 lead after the first quarter, but Holly Grove managed to come back and take a seven-point lead in the third quarter.

Amisial and fellow sophomore Rico Nock led the comeback on offense, but the Seahawks got contributions from every starter and bench player to claw back into the game and eventually take the lead late in the fourth quarter.

“We have to defeat teams with team effort, moving the ball and taking the shots when they're open,” Leinbach said. “Everyone contributed.”

The Eagles didn’t make things easy and were very physical in the second half.

“It was difficult; they were big, they were strong and they were fouling,” Amisial said. “Just had to keep attacking.”

Helping to turn the tides, as well as rubbing bows in the paint, was Mason Glover. The sophomore fought through seas of arms on offense for a crucial and-one down the stretch. He then sprinted down court following the foul shot to force a crucial turnover.

“It's tough, but we gotta battle through it and drive through pressure,” Glover said.

Sussex Academy is set to take on Eastern Shore Homeschool (Va.) at 5 p.m., Tuesday, Dec. 30, in the final of the Salisbury Christian bracket. For the fellas, it is another chance to get the college/pro treatment.

“It's a lot of fun and something these kids don't experience a lot,” Leinbach said. “They have their own little private locker room area with Gatorades and free T-shirts, so they're eyes are wide and stuff like that makes it fun. Competing for the championship is fun too. Hopefully, they rise to the occasion again.”