For the Geffen Academy Varsity Basketball Bruins, the annual De Toledo Tournament marks a time for self-evaluation and information for players and coaches as they prepare for the upcoming year. Looking to bounce back following a forty one point thrashing last year, the Bruins eagerly eyed their rematch with YULA (Yeshiva University of Los Angeles) as an opportunity for reprisal. Despite losing three of their top players to future endeavors, the Bruins sported a mix of both incumbents and newcomers as they took the floor to kick off their season. Relying on a pair of familiar faces, the Bruins kept pace with YULA throughout the majority of the first half.
Led by 18 points from Stevan Markovic and 16 from Nate Muhumuza, the Bruins stayed in the game with YULA until the final few minutes of the first half. Geffen Academy, who had trouble closing out quarters all day, allowed the opposition to go on a quick 8-0 run, resulting in a first-half deficit that looked a whole lot more daunting than it was. The newer faces on the Bruins had trouble acclimating themselves, at least on the offensive forty-seven, as no one else provided more than five points. Although Geffen Academy closed the deficit to thirteen within the final minute, it was the closest the Bruins had been since the commencement of the second half. Geffen Academy, who faces Milken High School tomorrow, will look for a quick turnaround from their opening statement against YULA.
Comments