Unselfishness. That was the key to the Reading Rebels’ 114-97 win over the Massachusetts Monarchs in the team’s inaugural home opener Sunday at the Geigle.
The Rebels, who compete in The Basketball League, are Berks’ newest minor league team.
Reading High grad Gil Benz scored a team-high 19 points, and Berks Catholic grad Donovan Jack had 18 points and a team-high 12 rebounds as the Rebels had six players score in double figures.
Reading led comfortably for much of the game, held a 12-point lead at halftime and outscored the Monarchs 35-26 in the fourth quarter to put it away. After the game, Reading coach Sergio Afre talked about the selflessness of his players and the chemistry they are starting to build up.
“Unselfishness: that, right there, is the word,” Afre said when asked what was the key to his team’s victory. “I’m not going to lie. This is the first time we actually played together as a team. We’re still not where we want to be but I’ll take this win.”
The Rebels lost their first game of the season 109-117 at the Connecticut Cobras, but put on an offensive spectacle with all 12 players available on Sunday.
“We’ve only had our full 12 guys together three or four times,” Afre said. “Each and every game we’re coming together as one, but again, I’ve only been with everyone in the same room three or four times, so as we continue to do that we’ll continue to get better. We’re still getting to know each other.”
Jack, who scored 13 first-half points while also using his 6-9 frame to dominate in the paint, shared Afre’s sentiments about the Rebels’ team-first mentality.
“I was just playing the game with my teammates and having fun,” Jack said when asked about his performance. “I wasn’t concerned with trying to score or do this or that. I just wanted to make sure I took care of my role on the team to propel the other players and help us win the game. At the end of the day all I care about is winning.”
The Monarchs started to make a run in the third quarter and had the lead cut to as little as six early in the fourth, but the second half play from Benz and Julian Debose proved to be too much for Massachusetts. Debose, a guard and member of the 2013 Florida Gulf Coast NCAA Tournament team, had 11 of his 18 points in the fourth quarter. Benz scored 13 of his 18 points in the second half.
“I just try to let the game come to me,” Benz said when asked if he had extra motivation playing at his alma mater. “I don’t try to force too much. So if it comes to me and I become that ‘Player of the Game.’ it is what it is, but I’m just happy we won honestly.”
The packed crowd provided a loud and raucous atmosphere, which added to the spectacle as the organization kept the fans engaged throughout the game. The Reading High dance team was on hand to perform at halftime and the Rebels featured other in-game events, such as a halfcourt shot contest and games for kids during breaks on the court.
Afre and his team said they believed the fan support and excitement will continue to grow as the season goes on.
“Amazing and only getting better,” Afre said when asked about the atmosphere. “As we continue to win and grow at some point this gym will be sold out and it’s going to be rocking, mark my words. So listen, this is only the beginning, just know that.”
The ambiance provided by the fans was also special for former Reading High players such as Benz and Trenity Burdine, who were happy and grateful to be playing on their old home court.
“It felt amazing to be home,” said Burdine, who finished with 13 points. “I grew up here and went to Reading my whole life, so to be able to come back and play on the same court was a blessing.”
Benz, who also played at Albright, shared similar sentiments.
“It’s surreal,” Benz said. “I had a dream sometime last year where I was reliving this moment before we even knew about the Rebels, so like I said its surreal and magical to see the city here, and I’m super grateful for everyone who came out. I feel like as the season goes on we’ll have a lot more people supporting us and I’m excited to get the season going.”
Reading will take on the Atlantic City Gamblers in their next game March 12 at 7:05 p.m. at Alvernia University. The Rebels will return to the Geigle on March 27 when they face the Connecticut Cobras at 4 p.m.
Source: Berkshire mont
Be First to Comment