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Athlete Institute's Addison Patterson dunks on Ridley College - OSBA

Athlete Institute Prep back On track with victory over Ridley College, 105-78

By Jahnick Lambert, 02/01/17, 10:30AM EST

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Athlete Institute Prep has not been in OSBA action since the turn of the new year but would finally get their opportunity to continue their impressive season with a contest against a strong Ridley College squad who came into the game on a hot streak. Ridley’s 4 wins in 5 games helped them recover from early season struggles and put them in position to achieve a .500 record for the first time this year if they could grab a victory.

Although they had not played an OSBA game since their 3-point loss to Orangeville Prep, AI Prep quickly reminded everybody why they began the season 7-0 and are still strong contenders for this year’s championship. Ridley College found themselves on their heels as AI Prep jumped to a 8-0 run behind athletic play and 3-point shooting. Ridley College would eventually respond and get to the line to cut the lead down to 3 but AI’s proficient shooting from behind the arc and a big two-handed slam by Howard Washington Jr. (22 points) would lead them back to a 25-14 lead to end the quarter.

 

Ridley College began to increase their intensity offensively as Jaden Bediako would leap for rebounds and create second chance opportunities for his team. Unfortunately for them they were unable to generate any consistency due to unforced turnovers, which would hamper their chances at a comeback. On the other end of the floor however, it was practically a showcase for AI Prep’s Oshae Brissett (20 points). The Syracuse commit was a force all over the floor, draining shots, finding teammates and even making sure to get a highlight-worthy dunk on his way to an excellent quarter of play. Ridley College would not let themselves be outdone and they continued to battle on offense, especially in transition, and managed to prevent AI’s lead from growing past 13-points.

 

AI Prep seemed to be in control of the game but despite the deficit, Ridley College were confident in their ability to fight back after a pretty good showing in the 2nd quarter. Their shooting from beyond the arc also improved and offensively they looked poised to cut the deficit if they could go on a run. However, AI Prep’s Addison Patterson had different plans. Patterson came off the bench and took over the AI Prep offense and caused problems for any Ridley defender. He would eventually have to return to the bench earlier than expected due to foul trouble but his contributions grew AI’s lead to 77-60 at the end of the 3rd.

 

Although the lead would seem insurmountable to most teams, Ridley College had just overcame a 17-point deficit in a recent victory so all hope was not lost. In this instance however, it would have had to come against a much stronger opponent. Howard Washington Jr. reclaimed the reigns of the AI Prep offense and the momentum kept swinging in their direction. Due to their up-tempo style of play, Ridley College found themselves running out of gas down the stretch as they struggled to get into the paint and make jump shots. They tried to remain aggressive defensively but lacked the tools to stop AI’s run to a 105-78 victory.

 

AI Prep didn’t spend a long time outside of the win column and they look to be more than a handful for any team to play against. Despite the win, they’ll quickly be back in action February 1st at Thornlea S.S. Tip-off at 7pm. Ridley College will end January with a 3-2 record in the month and should consider it a success in their recent run of games. However, they now sit 2 games below .500 and in the middle of the pack so the next stretch of games will only increase in significance. They’ll play their next game in the comfort of their own gym as they host Southwest Academy February 3rd, tip-off at 7pm.