The Moses Brown Quakers basketball team is enjoying a successful run this season, boasting an impressive record of 21-2 as they prepare for the semifinals of the Rhode Island Inter Scholastic League (RIIL) Boys Basketball Division Tournament. The team’s performance has been highlighted by their high-scoring wing players who have consistently shown their prowess on the court. The Quakers are set to face East Greenwich this Friday, February 28, at 8:00 p.m. ET at Johnston Senior High School.
With only two losses to their name this season, including tough competitions against Putnam Science Academy and Portsmouth, the Quakers have proven they are formidable contenders. Their latest challenge will come from East Greenwich, who recently upset South Kingston and is eager to continue its Cinderella story. Moses Brown enters this matchup with confidence, particularly thanks to standout performances from underclassmen.
The Quakers have relied heavily on their star duo, Donovan Clement and Otis Crosby. Both players have been nothing short of spectacular this season, combining for impressive offensive outputs. Clement, standing tall at 6-foot-7, has delivered average scoring of 19.3 points, with remarkable rebounding numbers of 9.3 per game. He is also recognized for his defensive contributions, blocking 2.7 shots on average. Crosby, on the other hand, has been scoring at 20.9 points per game and showcasing his versatility by grabbing 6.7 rebounds and assisting 2.2 times per game. His shooting accuracy from beyond the arc is noteworthy, hitting 43% of his attempts.
But it’s not just about big stats for Moses Brown; the team is deep with talent. The Quakers have displayed great teamwork with effective contributions from other players such as senior Michael Shih, who averages 5.4 points and 6.0 assists, junior RaJhon Jones with 7.3 points, and Collin Mburu, who chips in 9.2 points and 6.2 rebounds. This collective effort has been pivotal for Moses Brown as they navigate through the tournament.
Looking forward to the semifinal, East Greenwich will undoubtedly provide stiff competition. They are also coming off notable performances, featuring sharpshooters and aggressive attackers. Their recent victory over South Kingston demonstrates their capability to cause upsets, and they will undoubtedly aim to exploit any weaknesses within Moses Brown. Quakers' coach has noted the need to remain vigilant against East Greenwich's underclassmen talents, including Rees Maccarone, who has been standout with 18.3 points per game.
The pivotal match will hinge on whether Moses Brown can leverage their size and shooting abilities against East Greenwich’s scrappiness. While East Greenwich is riding high on confidence from their last games, Moses Brown is focused on maintaining their composure and synergy on the court. Citing Crosby’s and Clement’s shooting percentages, they've laid out game plans targeting offensive breakouts and feeding bigs down low.
The stakes are high as the Quakers plan to not only advance past the semifinals but also aim for the championship title. This season marks the possible culmination of hard work, and Moses Brown's roster is geared up for the challenge. With so much talent and potential, the Quakers are one of the teams to watch as they continue their pursuit of RIIL glory.
Fans can expect action-packed moments as both teams bring their best strategies to the court. The anticipation surrounding the game is palpable, and it promises to be a thrilling matchup filled with excitement from tip-off and beyond. Tune in to catch the live stream on the NFHS Network as the Quakers take on East Greenwich this Friday evening. Will Moses Brown maintain their winning streak, or will East Greenwich pull off another thrilling upset? Only time will tell as this exciting tournament continues to take shape.