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Photography by Shannon Martin
Caledonia Gladiators fell short in a tough encounter with the Sheffield Sharks, losing 94-80. Despite some strong individual performances, Sheffield’s efficiency and dominance in the paint ultimately proved the difference.
Key Performers:
- Ian Dubose shone for the Gladiators, coming off the bench to score 25 points. He was highly efficient, shooting 83% from the field (10/12) and contributing 4 rebounds and 4 assists.
- Fraser Malcolm, the Gladiators’ captain, added 13 points, shooting 62% from the floor, including three 3-pointers. He also pulled down 4 rebounds and dished out 2 assists.
- Princeton Onwas chipped in with 12 points on 55% shooting and grabbed 3 rebounds, helping the Gladiators stay competitive in key moments.
For the Sharks, it was Prentiss Nixon and Jordan Ratinho who led the way:
- Prentiss Nixon contributed 19 points, shooting 46% from the field and 85% from the free-throw line. His all-around play included 4 rebounds, 4 assists, and a game-high 6 steals, causing trouble for Caledonia on both ends of the floor.
- Jordan Ratinho was highly effective, scoring 19 points on 8/9 shooting, including a perfect 3/3 from three-point range, providing crucial points for Sheffield.
Quarterly Breakdown:
- Q1: Sheffield got off to a quick start, leading 24-19. Caledonia’s turnovers and missed shots allowed the Sharks to take an early edge.
- Q2: Caledonia fought back in the second quarter, closing the gap with a 21-19 run to trail by just 3 at halftime, 43-40. Ian Dubose’s energy off the bench was a big factor in keeping the Gladiators close.
- Q3: Sheffield extended their lead in the third quarter, outscoring Caledonia 25-18 to push the score to 68-58. Key baskets from Ratinho and Nixon helped Sheffield maintain their momentum.
- Q4: In the final period, the Gladiators were unable to close the gap, with Sheffield sealing the win by outscoring Caledonia 26-22, despite Dubose’s continued efforts.
Game Analysis:
The Gladiators shot well overall, making 51% of their shots from the field. However, turnovers were their undoing, as they committed 21, leading to 19 points for Sheffield. The Sharks, by contrast, were more disciplined with just 10 turnovers.
Sheffield also dominated inside, scoring 52 points in the paint compared to 34 for Caledonia. Their efficiency from the field (55%) and free-throw line (85%) gave them control throughout the game. Although Caledonia managed to keep within touching distance, Sheffield’s 16-point lead in the second half was insurmountable.
Despite Ian Dubose’s standout performance and strong contributions from Fraser Malcolm and Princeton Onwas, the Gladiators couldn’t contain Sheffield’s bench, which outscored theirs by 46 points to 31.
Team Statistics:
- Points from turnovers: Caledonia 14, Sheffield 19
- Points in the paint: Caledonia 34, Sheffield 52
- Second chance points: Caledonia 15, Sheffield 17
- Fast break points: Caledonia 9, Sheffield 6
- Bench points: Caledonia 31, Sheffield 46
