Burke’s Basketball Ends Season with Excitement
Basketball playoffs proved very exciting for each team and our athletes represented Burke's well all season.
Varsity Gold bowed out to a very strong KIPP Bayview in the first round after keeping the game close well into the third quarter. The other three teams advanced through their semi-finals to the Championship games in their respective divisions.
JV Gold played a tough final against PHS who had given the team a good scare in the regular season when Burke’s came from behind for a 2-point win. In the final, Burke's found their groove early and pushed the pace to an early lead. The tough defense maintained the lead through three quarters while many different players chipped in with timely baskets to keep Burke’s in control. We sealed the win with an offensive burst to extend our lead and came away victorious on a 29-12 score. You can view photos online.
Varsity Green went into playoffs as the #1 seed with a positive "just work" attitude and camaraderie and support for each other that was unmatched. A 50-31 win in the semi-final saw them advance over FAIS to face Brandeis for the title. Unfortunately, injury and illness took their toll and Burke’s could not match the intensity of the Brandeis team in the second quarter. However, the girls can hold their heads high for how they represented Burke's with class all season.
JV Green also claimed the #1 seed for playoffs and after eliminating Brandeis comfortably in the semi-final faced its toughest regular season opponent MCDS for the Championship. There were never more than two baskets between the teams throughout an exciting first half. Both offenses stepped up in the fourth, and with MCDS holding a slim lead, Burke’s got a steal and a lay-up followed by a corner jump shot to regain the lead at 18-17. An MCDS bucket saw them regain the lead 19-18 with 36 seconds left, forcing us to foul to stop the clock on their next possession. We successfully rebounded the front end of a one and one miss and threw a long outlet pass where a foul was called on a three-point attempt with just 4.4 seconds left to play. Everyone held their breath as they watched JV Green sink all three free throws and survive an MCDS heave at the buzzer to claim the trophy. Pictures from this game are coming soon!