Despite a strong offensive effort by Andover Boys Varsity Basketball on Friday night, the team fell to Thayer at home, 65-60. It bounced back on Monday however, as 28 points by Joey Lokitis ’06 led the team to victory over Governor Dummer Academy, 72-62. The team was not able to keep the winning spirit alive on Wednesday, however, as it fell to Tabor Academy for the second time this season by a score of 77-62. Andover got off to a slow start on Friday, and the Thayer offense jumped out to an early lead. Thayer remained in control for the first twenty minutes of play and led 37-21 at the half. Andover played with more vigor in the second half. However, Thayer successfully repressed the surge, bringing Andover’s deficit to 20 points. Despite Andover’s best efforts in the final 4 minutes, it was unable to overcome Thayer’s large lead. Joey Lokitis ’06 put up a double-double, scoring 25 points and grabbing 10 rebounds. He also contributed five assists. Jonathan Dent ’05 knocked down seven points, put up four assists and made three steals. Oystein Aukland ’05 and Nick Hennessey ’05 both played well, snagging many defensive rebounds while scoring six and eight points respectively. Monday proved more encouraging for Andover, as it nailed down its third victory of the season, beating Governor Dummer 72-62. “We played within ourselves in the game on Monday. We were able to identify and capitalize upon our own strengths. Our drivers drove and our shooters shot,” said Coach Leon Modeste. The first half was competitive, with the two teams fighting hard and playing well. The lead exchanged hands several times, but Andover took a slim 33-32 lead to the locker-room at half time. Andover carried their momentum into the second half and pulled ahead on offense while continuing to apply pressure on defense. Governor Dummer felt the pressure accumulating ten team fouls, with two of their starters fouling out in the second half. Lokitis led the offensive charge for Andover in the game, scoring 28 points, nabbing six rebounds and stealing the ball five times. Aukland was also a key contributor, knocking down 14 points and playing well on the boards. Winston Shaw ’05 scored six points and added two steals on defense. Calistus Onyiuke ’05, Adrian Nelson ’05, and Dent all scored several points and helped out on the victorious defense. Despite a strong start in the game at home on Wednesday against Tabor, Andover stumbled in the second half and lost 77-62. Andover managed to keep a lead into halftime, 35-32. Tabor increased its shooting consistency in the second half, quickly taking the lead. Andover never got it back. Lokitis once again led the team in scoring, racking up 28 points. He also had five assists and several steals. Hennessey scored six points and contributed at team-leading eight rebounds, while Aukland scored seven points and took down six rebounds. Chris Bramwell ’07 and Adrian Nelson ’05 both scored six points, while Dent posted 4 of his own.
