Falcons Let Southern Slip Through Their Talons, 63-49

By Amy Russell
If the Severna Park boys basketball team played the way they did in the second-half for the full 32 minutes, they would easily handled the Southern Bulldogs and in the process secured a winning record of 9-8. But, unfortunately for the Falcons, the stench of a slow start that resulted in a double-digit first half deficit seeped through the second half scoreboard, and time ran out before Severna Park could get a lead in a disappointing 63-49 loss.
In the first quarter, the smothering Bulldog defense held the Falcons at bay as Southern took control early, 14-4. The lackluster play continued right through the second quarter as the Bulldogs took a cozy 30-13 lead to the break.
Coach Pellicani’s halftime talk seemed to get through as the Falcons performed decidedly better, outscoring Southern 16-14 in the third period. At the start of the fourth quarter, down 44-29, the coaches called on the Falcons with a mission: “score six unanswered points, right now.”

Immediately, Sean Fitzgerald tipped in a rebound and though it was answered, you could sense a surging momentum shift as the Falcons got to work. Joe Galdi blocked a shot that sent a clear message to the Bulldogs. After a timeout, fans started shouting words of encouragement like “one shot, one bucket,” and “one at a time, guys, just one at a time.”
When John Galdi found the range on the three-pointer he had been searching for all night and Andy Dowell converted a lay up, Severna Park had narrowed the gap to 46-37. Joe Galdi continued the Falcons’ comeback with two free throws and another three-pointer that narrowed the score to 48-44, the closest Severna Park had been all night.

Despite the continued effort including points by Matt Kubic, Dowell and Galdi, a riddling of fouls and a lack of both offensive rebounds and time left the Falcons on the losing side of an intense battle. Severna Park’s record fell to 8-9, while Southern moved to 9-8.
Overall Joe Galdi led his teammates with 13 points, two rebounds and an assist. John Galdi, Dowell and Kubic each produced seven points. Dowell also chipped in with four assists and John Galdi added another. Billy Koffler added another six points and Sean Fitzgerald contributed five to go along with three rebounds and an assist. Bradley Keith chipped in with four points and five rebounds to round out the scoring.
The loss was the team’s second straight following a tough decision to Old Mill, a rarity for the Falcons. Earlier, playing a rescheduled game, the Falcons beat Meade 64-57, and just before that they produced one of their biggest wins of the season, 75-69, in overtime against South River.

On Saturday, February 12 at 1:45pm, Severna Park will visit Broadneck for the “Hoops for a Cure” game. Fans are asked to wear pink to the game, which is being held to raise money for breast cancer research and awareness. Admission is $5 and donations will be taken at the door and online by visiting http://annapoliswellnesshouse.com, where fans can donate money on behalf of either school. The school that raises the most money will be recognized during the game.