Quakenbrueck. Satisfied despite a clear defeat – coaches must also be able to be happy about respectable successes. That was the case for Hanno Stein, who recognized progress in the U-16 Bundesliga game of his Young Rasta Dragons in Rostock. The 64:90 against the favorite gives hope, because: “The fighting spirit was right”.
If it hadn’t been for Rostock’s exceptional player Roy Krupnikas, the YRD players might even have been able to stay in the game with only a narrow deficit. The 18:19 after ten minutes of play suggested that as well as an intermediate sprint to almost equalize in quarter number two. However, the 15-year-old whirled away from the start, marching through the visitors’ defenses, picking up a total of 39 points and seven rebounds. “A sensationally good player who is incredibly far for his age. He has physique, speed and is also playful,” stated Hanno Stein.
In between at eye level
The 46:33 half-time lead of Rostock was acceptable because the cooperation team from South Oldenburg and Artland bravely kept up and never gave up. “Despite many mistakes, we were at eye level in some phases,” said the head coach. The 55:35 lead of the young Seawolves shortly after the break was reduced again before the hosts turned six three-pointers into the home stretch with a clear lead (64:46).
The final section went to the home side at 26:18. With rebound specialist Emil Thamm, who was sorely missed, the players of the coaching trio Hanno Stein, Leon Löbig and Magnus Theisling might have been able to keep the game open longer. “Rostock’s pressure on defense is always enormous. In some phases we let that impress us too much,” admitted Stein. “Today we lost against a strong opponent, but we will continue to work hard.”
Statistics
Played for the Young Rasta Dragons:
Piet Sternberg 18 points / 2 threes, Alen Blakaj 15/2, Max Hagensieker 10, Johannes Hellmann 7/1, Noah Ostermann 6, Epke Kruthaup 3, Aaron Rehberger 2, Felix Christiansen 2, Michel Schillmöller 1, Moritz Grüß, Carlo Ewest and Dave Hölscher.
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