Bainbridge improves to 2-0 with 73-34 rout over Olympic

Two games, two 70+ point performances and two wins. It seems Bainbridge is comfortable with its temporary return to the Olympic League.

The Spartans’ shooters were on in their 2021 home opener as they walloped Olympic 73-34 at Paski Gym Thursday night.

Bainbridge knocked down 12 3-pointers against the Trojans. The offense was paced by Cliff Hennessey’s game-high 22 points. The win improved their record to 2-0 after they opened on the road with a 74-26 win over East Jefferson.

“As a coach, you live for these type of players,” Bainbridge coach Steven Haizlip said. “They are great shooters, and [their shots] are going to fall.”

The team started a little slow, missing their first few shots while Olympic took an 8-2 lead. But once Hennessey’s breakaway layup went in to tie the game at 8, the Spartans never trailed again.

“Playing at home in front of fans and parents, maybe some home jitters,” Haizlip said. “It’s been fifteen months since we played a real home game. And give credit to Olympic, they came out and shot the ball well to start the game. We just settled down and went from there.”

The offense exploded in the second quarter, outscoring the Trojans 22-4, including a 19-0 run to close the half.

Everett Moore’s 3-pointer from the left wing was followed by Andrew Ward’s 3 from nearly the same spot. The buckets continued to fall as Jason Kirsch hit a 3-pointer from the top of the key, and then Moore sank his second triple of the quarter.

Moore finished the game with four 3-pointers and 15 points, while Kirsch chipped in 11. Ward and Alexander Treskin each had 8.

Bainbridge returns all five starters and most of its varsity roster from a year ago, and the team’s experience showed as it not only remained poised after falling behind, but continued to out-hustle its opponent even after it took a big lead. The defense also played well, taking a number of charges to defuse Olympic’s offensive possessions.

“I was hoping to get this year for them,” Haizlip said. “I’ve been with them for so long.”

The offensive magic continued in the second half. Ward completed a pretty behind-the-back pass to Treskin, who picked up the easy layup with 5:13 to go. Moore hit his third 3-pointer just ahead of the buzzer to end the third quarter, and Bainbridge led 52-28.

The big lead allowed Haizlip to empty his bench as well. Caleb Durrance came on and hit both of his shot attempts while Henry Carsten hit a 3-pointer from the corner late in the fourth quarter.

“It’s just great to be back here, honestly,” Haizlip said. “I’m super excited to be coaching these guys, to be in this gym is kind of emotional. I’m so happy for the seniors that they get to be able to do this.”

Bainbridge 73, Olympic 34

Oly 10 4 14 6 — 34

BI 12 22 18 21 — 73

Olympic (34) — Holland 12, Quinene 6, Trottman 6, Cabato 3, J. Bluitt 2, Boschee-Perry 2, Buchanan 2, Guadiz-Macadangdang 1.

Bainbridge (73) — Hennessey 22, Moore 15, Kirsch 11, Treskin 8, Ward 8, Durrance 4, Carsten 3, Carey 2.