Senior Guard Alleel Batts Leads Balanced Attack with 22 Points
The Middletown Blue Raiders showcased their experience and depth, defeating the Gettysburg Warriors 60-40 in a high school boys basketball game on Dec. 16.
Middletown’s senior-laden squad, led by guard Alleel Batts’ 22 points, improved to 3-1 on the season. Gettysburg dropped to 2-4 with the loss.
The Blue Raiders took control early, building a 17-12 lead after the first quarter. Batts set the tone with seven points in the opening frame, including a pair of 3-pointers.
Middletown extended its advantage to 29-21 by halftime, using a balanced attack and stifling defense to keep the Warriors at bay.
“We play for good shots,” Middletown coach Chris Bradford instructed his team during a second-quarter timeout, emphasizing patience and ball movement.
The Blue Raiders heeded their coach’s words, methodically building their lead throughout the second half. Middletown’s man-to-man pressure defense forced numerous Gettysburg turnovers, leading to easy transition baskets.
Batts continued his stellar play after halftime, finishing with four assists and two steals to complement his game-high point total. The senior guard’s all-around performance earned him player of the game honors.
“Batts with 13 points so far to lead all scorers, three assists, two steals and a board,” the game announcer noted midway through the third quarter.
Middletown’s balanced scoring proved too much for Gettysburg to overcome. JP Horetzki and Landon Kaiser joined Batts in double figures with 10 points apiece, while Tim Moore added nine.
The Warriors struggled to find consistent offense against Middletown’s aggressive defense. Brody Sidell led Gettysburg with 11 points, while Charlie Shull and Julius Warren chipped in eight each.
Gettysburg employed a packed-in zone defense for much of the game, attempting to limit Middletown’s interior scoring. The strategy kept the Warriors within striking distance early but ultimately couldn’t contain the Blue Raiders’ balanced attack.
“This strategy of packing it down in a zone has kept the warriors in it,” the announcer observed in the third quarter.
However, Middletown’s ability to hit outside shots and create turnovers negated Gettysburg’s defensive game plan. The Blue Raiders’ lead ballooned to 18 points early in the fourth quarter, effectively putting the game out of reach.
Middletown’s depth was on full display, with 10 players seeing significant minutes. The Blue Raiders’ crisp ball movement and unselfish play led to numerous open looks throughout the contest.
“This Middletown team, only 3-1, but I’m sure they’re going to follow them,” the announcer said late in the fourth quarter. “I’ve been impressed with this team. Looks like a really good coach in Chris Bradford and really balanced scoring.”
Gettysburg showed flashes of promise despite the loss. Seidel, making his first start of the season, impressed with his 11-point performance. The junior guard added four rebounds and provided a spark for the Warriors’ offense.
“Brody Seidel really has been showing that he’s worthy of that starting position,” the announcer noted.
The Warriors will look to regroup and snap their losing streak in their next contest. Middletown, meanwhile, appears poised to make noise in their conference as the season progresses.
Both teams will continue their non-conference schedules before league play begins in earnest after the new year.