Boys’ Basketball

Concord 57, Keene 48

Key players: Concord – Japhet Nduwayo (32 points), Connor White (10 points), Zanis Lauris (rebounding), Elia Bahuma (point guard, defense)

Highlights: The Tide focused on defense, using full-court and half-court pressure defenses to hold Keene to just one 3-pointer all game and create many fast break opportunities. Concord led 24-17 at halftime held the lead in the second half as both team’s offenses opened up over the final 16 minutes. Nduwayo connected on some clutch free throws down the stretch to secure Concord’s first Division I victory on the road, the Tide’s first game since winning the Capital Classic holiday tournament.

Coach’s quote: “Preseason for us finished at the end of 2022. We needed to find our identity in our first three regular season games and the holiday tournament. The boys are understanding and buying in to who we have to be to be successful. The defensive effort, the ability to get out in transition and the unselfish play has proven to be who we are over this four-game winning streak. Obviously Japhet was special tonight. He can score in so many ways, but the plays that don’t show on the stat sheet are Connor White diving to save a loose ball and crashing into the scorers table, Zanis Lauris tipping offensive rebounds to teammates to keep plays alive and so many other guys willing to put their bodies on the line to give us an extra possession. All 13 guys were engaged from start to finish and this is why I know we will continue to find success.” – Concord’s Tim LaTorra

Records: Concord 1-3; Keene 1-3

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