Metro Christian defeated Yavneh 50-42 Thursday evening to drop the Bulldogs record to 9-6.
In a season of uncertainty, Yavneh dropped their most disheartening game to date in a string of disappointing defeats. For a number of years, Yavneh has done nothing but defeat Metro Christian. One empty quarter changed all that against one of the seemingly least talented teams Metro has ever put on the floor. Yavneh came out committed to get back to the defensive principles upon which they became successful in the first place. For disciplinary reasons, Yavneh occupied the Visitors’ locker room and donned jerseys from years ago. The intensity showed in the first half. Holding Metro to 5 points in the first quarter and 15 in the half, Yavneh held a less than convincing 23-15 lead at halftime. They never could get their offense into high gear and, while the defense exploited a poor offense at times, Yavneh could never completely lock down on the defensive end. Metro hung close behind the left handed marksmanship of Codie Blaine. He struck for 16 points in all. Yavneh continued to keep Metro in the game in the second half but opened up their biggest lead of the game at 41-31 with 7:04 to play in the fourth quarter. With the exception of 1 David Naxon free throw, Yavneh would not score again. In all, Metro completed the game with a 19-1 run that sent Yavneh players, coaches, and fans searching for answers. Metro had very few offensive weapons that would seem to be threatening, yet they managed 20 fourth quarter points against a supposedly re committed Yavneh man to man defense. At times it seemed that Yavneh had fixed some of their problems on both ends of the floor but mistakes and a complete lack of offense late in the game proved too much to overcome even against Metro Christian. David Naxon and Josh Abrams led Yavneh with 14 points a piece. Naxon also pulled down 14 rebounds, giving him another double-double.
The Bulldogs will have to heal quickly. DISD public school Adamson visits Yavneh on Monday evening in what will no doubt be a true test of character for the team and its key players.