Smith's Big Night Leads Math and Science Academy Dragons

Brian Smith was a large part of the equation for the Math and Science Academy Dragons as he scored a game high 36 points to lead them to an 85-48 win over the Groves Academy Griffins Thursday night in St. Louis Park.

Smith broke out of the starting gate early for the Dragons, scoring :05  into the game.  His fellow senior, Andrew Jeyachandran also helped Math and Science Academy get on an opening 12-0 run.  The Griffins didn't get their first basket until there was 15:27 left in the first half on a free throw by Patrick Quinn.  Groves Academy would score their first field goal 1:13 later.  The Griffins also went up against a strong inside presence in center Eric Johnson, who had two blocks.  On the offensive end, the Dragons would go on a 10-0 run that would end when Max Bilcik hit a three pointer.  There were also a couple of old fashioned three point plays.  Jeyachandran would hit one for Math and Science Academy and Max Greseth would be the bright spot for Groves Academy.  Foul trouble would also plague both teams as Seryozha Mzenga and Eric Johnson picked up their third fouls for the Dragons late in the first half and Noah Madson would get his third foul for the Griffins.  Smith would score 24 points by halftime and Math and Science Academy led 54-23.

The Dragons would widen their lead to start the second half with an 8-0 run that included three pointers from Smith and Jeyanchandran. Math and Science Academy would also get support from Ahmed Elhassen as the game would eventually head into running time due to the large margin halfway through the second half.  Bilcik would go on a run, scoring five straight points but there was little that Griffins could do to get back in the game.  Both teams would clear their benches late in the second half and give the reserves a chance to get some playing time.  One reserve from Groves Academy who would make a late contribution was Gabe Gordon as he hit a pair of free throws with :10.2 left in the game.

Other players in double figures for Math and Science Academy were Jeyachandran with 21 points and Elhassen had 16.  Malik Bodden led Grovea Academy with 15 points.  Bilcik added 14.

The Dragons improved their record to 4-5 and will host the Christian Life Academy Hawks on Tuesday, January 17 at 7 PM.  The Griffins lost their sixth straight game and fell to 1-10.  They will also be in action on the 17th as they head to White Bear lake to face the Liberty Classical Academy Lions at 6:30 PM.

Prior to the start of the game, a special ceremony was held, honoring the various teachers who educate the Groves Academy student athletes, including head coach Peter Shutte.