SJRAC Basketball Tourney : Day One (Orange Park Vs. Bartram Trail)

<p><strong>Bartram Trail triumphs over Orange Park</strong></p> <p>Orange Park, FL</p> <p>In the first round of St. Johns River Basketball Tournament Bartram Trail Bears would face off against Orange Park Raiders. We start this tournament off with not only a great matchup but a touching twenty-four second moment of silence for Kobe Bryant and the others who were on the helicopter accident. </p> <p>Orange Park Started off hot and fast with a full-court press. The frontcourt of Orange Park forced multiple turnovers and after the first period, Orange Park led 15-9. In the second period, Bartram Trail looked to slow down the pace. They dropped into a zone look on defense which shook up the Raiders on offense. The zone caused the Raiders trouble and at the end of the second period, the Bears would take a 30-20 lead over the Raiders. In the third period, Orange Park made some adjustments on offense for the zone defense. The Bears would work the inside too their big man and the Raiders look to drive and kick for open shots. After three periods of basketball, the Bears would have a 38-33 lead. Going into the fourth period Bartram Trail went into a high zone defense and turnovers would cost Orange Park the game. Bartram Trail advances, 49-38 over Orange Park. </p> <p><span style="color: #0000ff;"><strong>Players to watch in the tournament :</strong></span></p> <p>Going forward Daniel Christensen #5 and <a href="https://prephoops.com/player/alijah-kuehl/"><a href="https://prephoops.com/player/alijah-kuehl/">Alijah Kuehl</a></a> #11 will be the difference makers for the Bartram Trail Bears.</p> <p><span style="color: #000080;">Daniel Christensen - SG - Senior</span></p> <p>Daniel's frontcourt pressure gave the Raiders trouble in this game. At 6'2" his length caused a few turnovers but even more deflections. Against the Raiders, Daniel finished with 5 steals, 5 rebounds, and 14 points. If Bartram Trail gets this production from their senior guard every game they will be a tough out in the tournament. </p> <p><a href="https://prephoops.com/player/alijah-kuehl/"><a href="https://prephoops.com/player/alijah-kuehl/">Alijah Kuehl</a></a> <span style="color: #000080;">- C - Junior</span></p> <p>At 6'10", Alijah is the big man down low for the Bears. Against Orange Park, he did not show off his scoring but his vision was on display. If Bartram Trail could get the ball to him at the high post it seemed that he always found the open man in the corner. He finished the game with over five assists and had at least ten rebounds for the Bears. </p>