One team would have to leave the game with their first loss and neither team was willing to go down without leaving everything on the court. Following the retirement ceremony of the numbers worn by former players Jamal Murray & Thon Maker, who are currently playing in the NBA, this season’s most anticipated matchup was underway.

The first few possessions saw AI Prep jump out to an early lead with a 6-0 run but Orangeville had no intention of letting the game get out hand so early. Following a prompt timeout, Orangeville came back to within 1 point of their opponents. AI prep responded to Orangeville’s run with great rebounding and used their dominance on the boards to get much needed second chance points.  Despite AI Prep’s run, Orangeville’s Ignas Brazdeikis didn’t let his team fall too far behind with his excellent scoring ability and kept them within four, 19-23 at the end of the 1st.

With momentum on their side, Orangeville took their first lead of the game early in the 2nd. Since the deficit was never larger than a handful of points, AI prep was a threat to get back in the game at any moment. With the exception of Howard Washington Jr., AI prep had trouble with outside scoring and their offensive fouls resulted in unnecessary turnovers. But when they attacked the basket and played solid defense by jumping in the passing lane, they were able to stay within striking range. Down 42-39 with only 1:30 left in the 2nd quarter, AI Prep’s 5-0 run to close the quarter was enough to give them the lead before going into halftime. Orangeville’s Miguel Tomley played an excellent quarter leading his team in scoring and grabbing crucial rebounds but couldn’t make the last score to tie the game before the buzzer.

AI Prep’s show didn’t stop at halftime as they came out with the hot hand to take a 50-42 lead within the first few minutes.  It was Orangeville’s turn to respond and they didn’t miss their opportunity.  Aaryn Rai hit an open 3 pointer from the baseline to start a 12-4 run and bring the game back to equal footing. Although both Ignas Brazdeikis and AI Prep’s Oshae Brissett were having good games until that point, they stepped their game up and took over the quarter. With Brissett flying for an offensive rebound to dunk all over an opponent and Brazdeikis showing his range by sinking a 3 pointer right over the outstretched arms of the defender, the 3rd quarter was as evenly matched as the scoreboard indicated. However, Orangeville prep left the frame with the leg up thanks to Miguel Tomley who converted his second opportunity at a buzzer beater, just inside the 3-point line.

Starting a quarter with a lead for the first time in the game, Orangeville took their 65-63 lead and opened with a 6-0 run and seemed to take control. AI prep didn’t hesitate to close the 8-point gap down to 3 but Orangeville’s Keshaun Saunders and James Karnik both exploded offensively to keep their opponents at bay. Unfortunately for AI Prep, Oshae Brissett was fouled out of the game with less than 3 minutes left and that severely affected their chances of recovering from the 86-80 deficit.  Addison Patterson played an exceptional game on both ends of the floor but unfortunately could not will his team back from the deficit. Orangeville would eventually leave the game with a nail-biting 95-92 victory.

Now the only team without a loss, Orangeville Prep at 6-0 in OSBA action and 16-0 on the season will head into the holiday break on a strong note with a win over their AI Academy brothers. Despite the long season left to go, they’ll be comfortable going into the new year as the top team in the league. When they return to regular season action on January 11th, they’ll visit TRC Academy to keep the train rolling (tip-off at 7pm).  Athlete Institute Prep now have a loss on their record but still remain a very strong team with championship aspirations. The loss against a rival always stings but they’ll have the winter break to get back on track with a trip to Lincoln Prep on January 10th (tip-off at 7pm).