LIVE 2A Championship Blog at VCU
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style='font-size:9.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Verdana","sans-serif"'>11:55
PM:
9.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Verdana","sans-serif"'>Well, the 2014 VHSL
State Basketball Tournament has reached its conclusion and it was another exciting
at the Verizon Wireless Arena in the VCU Siegel Center in Richmond.
style=> A total of 12 State Champions were crowned,
six each in Boys and Girls Hoops, with a number of competitive games that went
down to the wire.
"Verdana","sans-serif"'>There were several memorable moments and top-notch individual
performances that we'll soon be highlighting here on VirginiaPreps.com.
style=> In the meantime, let's look back at the Final
Sores . . .
style='font-size:9.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Verdana","sans-serif"'>6A
BOYS FINAL - - COLONIAL FORGE 58, LANDSTOWN 54
6A GIRLS FINAL - - COSBY 53, STONEWALL JACKSON 46
5A BOYS FINAL - - POTOMAC 54, HENRICO 42
5A GIRLS FINAL - - PRINCESS ANNE 57, HIGHLAND SPRINGS 52
style='font-size:9.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Verdana","sans-serif"'>4A
BOYS FINAL - - NORCOM 59, HANDLEY 52
4A GIRLS FINAL - - LAKE TAYLOR 57, WILLIAM FLEMING 50
3A BOYS FINAL - - JOHN MARSHALL 74, GEORGE WYTHE 56
3A GIRLS FINAL - - SPOTSWOOD 56, BROADWAY 49
2A BOYS FINAL - - DAN RIVER 84, BRUTON 58
2A GIRLS FINAL - - CENTRAL-WISE 47, GATE CITY 36
1A BOYS FINAL - - ALTAVISTA 49, RADFORD 44
1A GIRLS FINAL - - CHILHOWIE 60, HOANKER 34
"Verdana","sans-serif"'>Below you can hear the Postgame Sound from Dan
River/Bruton.
href="https://ct.yimg.com/mr/uploads/914/1528025.WMA">
none;text-underline:none'>Postgame Audio with Dan River Coach Kenny Murphy
style='text-decoration:none;text-underline:none'>Postgame Presser with Dan
River
style='text-decoration:none;text-underline:none'>Postgame Presser with Bruton
"Verdana","sans-serif"'>Many thanks go out to all the readers and followers
throughout the 2013-14 season and entire postseason.
"Verdana","sans-serif"'>As we bid good night, just a reminder to stay tuned to
VirginiaPreps.com in the coming days and weeks.
We've got LOTS more Coverage coming with reaction to the Championships,
stories and also Rankings (Top Tens for 6A through 1A, plus a Top 25) and
Recruiting Stories as well as some Q&A's with the winning coaches.
style='font-size:9.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Verdana","sans-serif"'>10:25
PM:
9.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Verdana","sans-serif"'>The Dan River
Wildcats are 2014 VHSL State Champions in Group 2A, joining the Cosby Girls in
6A as the only undefeated teams in Virginia High School Basketball this
season. Oh by the way,
style='mso-bidi-font-weight:normal'>Kenny Murphy's Wildcats feature eight
juniors, a sophomore and a freshman on the roster, so count on them being
ranked #1 in the preseason for 2014-15.
"Verdana","sans-serif"'>Let's look at the final tallies . . .
style='font-size:9.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Verdana","sans-serif"'>Final
Stats:
style='font-size:9.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Verdana","sans-serif"'>Dan
River Wildcats 84:
style='font-size:9.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Verdana","sans-serif"'>
style=> (25-0 Overall)
Curtis 'Q' Stephens - - 28Pts. 7-10FG, 13-14FT, 4Reb. 0TO's, 2Stl
class=GramE>.
Ethan Driskill - - 15Pts. 4-12FG, 2-5 3's, 5-5FT,
5Reb. 4Ast. 2Stl.
Terrell Edmunds - - 14Pts. 5-8FG, 4-7FT, 6Reb. 2Ast. 2Stl.
Tremaine Edmunds - - 11Pts. 5-9FG, 1-2FT, 8Reb. (Fouled Out)
Re'Shaun Myers - - 7Pts. 3-10FG, 4Reb. 2Ast. 4Stl
class=GramE>.
Wildcats - - 27-62FG, 4-8 3's, 26-36FT, 56Reb. 10Ast. 14TO's,
7Blk. 12Stl.
style='font-size:9.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Verdana","sans-serif"'>Bruton
Panthers 58:
style='font-size:9.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Verdana","sans-serif"'>
style=> (26-2 Overall)
Marcus Carter - - 20Pts. 6-15FG, 2-7 3's, 6-8FT, 8Reb. 2Stl. (Fouled Out
class=GramE>)
Lonnie Swinton - - 19Pts. 6-18FG, 5-13 3's, 2-2FT, 4Reb. 2Stl.
Mike Sangalang - - 9Pts. 3-4FG, 3-5FT, 5Reb.
Kapri
class=SpellE>Doucet - - 7Pts. 1-10FG, 5-10FT, 5Reb. 3Stl
class=GramE>.
Panthers - - 16-62FG, 7- 28 3's, 19-30FG, 38Reb. 3Ast. 16TO's,
2Blk. 9Stl.
"Verdana","sans-serif"'>We'll wrap things up following the postgame press
conferences, so be sure to check back readers!
style='font-size:9.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Verdana","sans-serif"'>10:19
PM:
9.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Verdana","sans-serif"'>A strong and loud
contingency of Dan River fans have been jumping and chanting, "I believe that
we will win!" Guess what?
style=> The top-ranked team in Group 2A will do so
and in convincing fashion over a Bruton Panthers team that was preseason #1 and
hadn't lost by double-figures all season until tonight in the 2A State
Championship at VCU.
style='font-size:9.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Verdana","sans-serif";
background:yellow;mso-highlight:yellow'>BOYS HOOPS 2A CHAMPIONSHIP FINAL - - DAN
RIVER 84, BRUTON 58
style='font-size:9.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Verdana","sans-serif"'>
"Verdana","sans-serif"'>It caps a perfect 25-0 season for Dan River.
style=> Their 84 points are a season-high, besting
the previous mark of 77 set back early in the season against Bassett.
style=> The 84 allowed by Bruton is the most they've
given up on the campaign.
"Verdana","sans-serif"'>We'll have some Final Stats coming shortly and then we'll
put a bow on our Session #6 LIVE Blog from the Siegel Center in Richmond!
style='font-size:9.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Verdana","sans-serif"'>10:13
PM:
9.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Verdana","sans-serif"'>The fans that made
the trip from Ringgold are starting to get jubilant as their Dan River Wildcats
are less than two minutes away from finishing off an undefeated 25-0 season to
capture their first ever state title.
Back in 2009, they fell to Radford by a count of 60-49 in the title
game. Tonight, they've handled a mighty
good Bruton team that won 26 games by over 33 points per contest and only lost
one by single-digits all year prior to this Championship bought.
style='font-size:9.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Verdana","sans-serif"'>Marcus
Carter
"Verdana","sans-serif"'>, the senior leader for Bruton who has had a tremendous
career with over 1000 career points and helped lead the Panthers to their first
regional title since 1978, exits with 1:26 to a warm applause from the Bruton
fans. Dan River's advantage is now 81-58
with 1:08 to go as some of the subs are starting to check in during this 2A
State Championship I must admit I'm surprised not by the outcome, but
definitely the margin.
style='font-size:9.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Verdana","sans-serif"'>10:07
PM:
9.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Verdana","sans-serif"'>Down by 17 with just
over four minutes to play, Bruton has to go to the foul strategy at this point
in the game I think. The Wildcats are
not a great foul shooting team by any means (48%), but they are making some key
ones since the second quarter after a 0-for-4 start.
style=> Bruton needs the clock to stop, create some
turnovers and knock down a few from long-range.
"Verdana","sans-serif"'>Dan River's press-break has been really good tonight as
they've gotten away from the Panthers' 2-2-1 full-court press and gotten
lay-ups at the other end. The latest
comes from junior Curtis 'Q' Stephens,
who has 23 points (potentially a
season-high?) and the Wildcats have now gone over 70 points for only the
third time this season.
"Verdana","sans-serif"'>It's the Wildcats up 72-56 with 3:05 left.
style=> That fat lady in Row 18 Section B here at the
Siegel Center is warming up.
style='font-size:9.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Verdana","sans-serif"'>10:00
PM:
9.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Verdana","sans-serif"'>Bruton is trying to
mount a run and certainly you have to credit the kids for not throwing in the
towel down 23 in this State Championship.
The Panthers are on a mini run, sparked by their talented senior guards
style='mso-bidi-font-weight:normal'>Marcus Carter and
normal'>Lonnie Swinton. They cut the
deficit to 14, though Dan River gets the lead back up with a couple of makes at
the foul line and Ethan
class=SpellE>Driskill finding Curtis
'Q' Stephens for a bucket. The
6-foot-1 junior guard Stephens has been nothing short of sensational.
"Verdana","sans-serif"'>One thing that could be a tad troubling for Dan River
if this thing gets to single-digits is that junior star
normal'>Tremaine Edmunds fouled out at the 5:24 mark and he's one of their
best athletes as well as rebounders.
style='mso-bidi-font-weight:normal'>Marcus Carter of Bruton gets called for
his fourth foul only 19 seconds later.
However, a Carter there-pointer cuts the Dan River lead to 68-53 with
4:27 to play.
style='font-size:9.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Verdana","sans-serif"'>9:53
PM:
9.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Verdana","sans-serif"'>There literally has
been no drop-off in Dan River's play tonight.
They've been high-octane from the start and Bruton has yet to slow them
down. The Panthers have had a wonderful
season, winning 26 of 27 games coming into the night and a regional crown, but
they've been no match for the Wildcats since midway through the second quarter.
"Verdana","sans-serif"'>It's Dan River in the lead by a count of 64-46 with
5:54 to play.
normal'>Terrell Edmunds went right by Bruton star
normal'>Marcus Carter in transition for a lay-up a moment ago, and it wasn't
like Carter did a bad job defensively as much as the Wildcats are in that zone
on offensively.
normal'>Curtis 'Q' Stephens is playing arguably his best game of the season,
scoring it and not turning the ball over.
"Verdana","sans-serif"'>Dan River delivered the knockout punch I feel in that
second quarter. Their gang-style rebounding
and high-pressure would suffocate most teams in the state, regardless of classification.
style='font-size:9.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Verdana","sans-serif"'>9:46
PM:
9.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Verdana","sans-serif"'>The Dan River
Wildcats are simply displaying outstanding teamwork.
style=> Late in the third quarter with a sizeable lead,
the team works the ball around and it's Tremaine
Edmunds slicing through the defense and when a defender collapses, he finds
his cousin Tyleik
style='mso-bidi-font-weight:normal'> Edmunds for the easy basket.
"Verdana","sans-serif"'>Bruton simply cannot stop Dan River right now, and the
Wildcats are controlling the boards while defensively containing a Panthers
team that is playing too much one-on-one (1 assist to 13 turnovers).
style='font-size:9.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Verdana","sans-serif"'>End
3rdQ in 2A Championship - - Dan River 58, Bruton 36
"Verdana","sans-serif"'>Dan River is well on its way to completing a perfect
25-0 season with their first ever State Championship.
style=> They've got four guys in double-figures with
style='mso-bidi-font-weight:normal'>Ethan Driskill (13Pts.),
Curtis 'Q' Stephens (11Pts.),
style='mso-bidi-font-weight:normal'>Tremaine Edmunds (11Pts.) and
style='mso-bidi-font-weight:normal'>Terrell Edmunds (10Pts.).
style='font-size:9.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Verdana","sans-serif"'>9:39
PM:
9.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Verdana","sans-serif"'>Folks, these Edmunds
boys can play! Dan River's dynamic duo
of Terrell Edmunds and
style='mso-bidi-font-weight:normal'>Tremaine Edmunds, two All-State candidates
in Group 2A, are just attacking relentlessly inside.
style=> And the Wildcats are contesting and making
plays on defense. That was shown in the fist
half in the form of three blocked shots and seven steals.
style=> They aren't giving Bruton an inch.
"Verdana","sans-serif"'>The deficit is 23 with 3:40 before
normal'>Marcus Carter hits a three-pointer for the Panthers.
style=> What's amazing about this Dan River team is
they don't really run any designed plays in the half-court.
style=> They just go hard to the hole and finish with
authority, using their athleticism and strength so very well.
style=> They're showing why they are undefeated for
sure.
style='font-size:9.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Verdana","sans-serif"'>9:34
PM:
9.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Verdana","sans-serif"'>To start the third
quarter off, Dan River adds to its lead with a basket that makes it 40-23.
style=> That 17-point deficit I believe is the
biggest Bruton has had all year long. Six-foot-3
senior Terrell Edmunds goes to the
rack strong for a deuce and the Wildcats are playing one of their best games of
the year offensively on the biggest of stages.
style='font-size:9.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Verdana","sans-serif"'>Re'Shaun
style='mso-bidi-font-weight:normal'>
115%;font-family:"Verdana","sans-serif"'> Myers
style='font-size:9.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Verdana","sans-serif"'>banks
in a three-point shot to push the Wildcats' lead to 19 at 47-26 with 4:45 to go
in the third quarter. Bruton looks
stunned and it's now 21 after Tremaine
Edmunds' deuce inside.
"Verdana","sans-serif"'>I must admit that I am a little perplexed that Bruton
has yet to call a time-out this quarter.
style='font-size:9.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Verdana","sans-serif"'>9:25
PM:
9.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Verdana","sans-serif"'>It is half-time and
the Dan River Wildcats are rolling, two quarters away from completing an
undefeated season. They led the Bruton
Panthers comfortably in the 2A State Championship right now.
style=> But anyone that witnessed the
class=SpellE>Norcom/Handley 4A Boys Championship Thursday night knows it's
not over until the fat lady sings (and we
haven't spotted her in here yet).
style='font-size:9.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Verdana","sans-serif"'>2A
Championship at the Half - - Dan River 38, Bruton 23
style='font-size:9.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Verdana","sans-serif"'>Stats
at the Half:
style='font-size:9.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Verdana","sans-serif"'>Dan
River 38:
Ethan Driskill - - 13Pts. 4-11FG, 2-5 3's, 3-3FT,
3Reb.
Curtis 'Q' Stephens - - 11Pts. 3-4FG, 4-4FT, 4Reb.
Terrell Edmunds - - 6Pts. 2-5FG, 2-4FT, 3Reb. 2Ast
class=GramE>.
Tremaine Edmunds - - 4Pts. 2-3FG, 5Reb. 2PF
Wildcats - - 13-36FG, 3-7 3's, 9-14FT, 32Reb. (13Off.), 5Ast.
5TO's, 3Blk. 7Stl.
style='font-size:9.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Verdana","sans-serif"'>Bruton
23:
Lonnie Swinton - - 8Pts. 2-4FG, 2-3 3's, 2-2FT, 2Reb. 2PF
Marcus Carter - - 6Pts. 1-5FG, 4-4FT, 3Reb. 3PF
Mike Sangalang - - 4Pts. 2-2FG, 2Reb.
Panthers - - 6-26FG, 2-9 3's, 9-14FT, 18Reb. 0Ast. 10TO's,
1Blk. 4Stl.
"Verdana","sans-serif"'>Dan River is trying to join the Cosby Girls as the only
teams in Boys and Girls Basketball in this 2013-14 campaign to go
undefeated. They are doing a fantastic
job on the backboards, getting numerous second shots and their foul shooting
was much better in the second quarter, going 9-for-10.
style=> Driskill and
Stephens have been terrific on offense.
"Verdana","sans-serif"'>For Bruton, I've never seen a team with a 0-10
assist-to-turnover ratio at half-time.
To make matters worse, their two best players in Carter and Swinton are
in foul trouble. They have to start
playing with tenacity defensively and turn the Wildcats over to get back in
this game.
style='font-size:9.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Verdana","sans-serif"'>9:17
PM:
9.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Verdana","sans-serif"'>Just when Bruton
thought they had stopped the bleeding, another wound opens up as the Dan River
Wildcats are starting to flex their muscles, getting numerous second chance
opportunities and turning tough defense into instant
offense.
style='font-size:9.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Verdana","sans-serif"'>Curtis
'Q' Stephens
font-family:"Verdana","sans-serif"'>(6.7PPG)
normal'> has been the catalyst in the backcourt.
style=> He scored seven points in the fist quarter
and is up to 11 when he scored to give them a double-digit advantage.
style=> Another hoop by
normal'>Gabe Long gives Dan River its largest lead at 36-21 with 1:11 to go
before half-time.
"Verdana","sans-serif"'>It's pretty clear that Bruton is in some major trouble
right now. They need some to ignite
them, and find some answers defensively, particularly on the backboards.
style='font-size:9.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Verdana","sans-serif"'>9:11
PM:
9.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Verdana","sans-serif"'>Offensively, Bruton
still is having some trouble against this Dan River defense ever since they
switched to a 1-2-2 zone. They're rushing
some shots and not getting any favorable looks in the paint, plus when they
miss it's leading to a few transition opportunities for the undefeated
Wildcats.
style='font-size:9.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Verdana","sans-serif"'>Re'Shaun
style='mso-bidi-font-weight:normal'>
115%;font-family:"Verdana","sans-serif"'> Myers
style='font-size:9.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Verdana","sans-serif"'>,
the 6-foot-1 senior guard coming off the bench, makes a nice drive and dump off
to 6-foot-6 senior reserve Gabe Long.
style=> Coach Kenny
Murphy of Dan River has to like the contribution he's providing thus
far. It increase
the Wildcats' lead to 29-21 with 2:58 to go in the second quarter.
style='mso-bidi-font-weight:normal'>
style='font-size:9.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Verdana","sans-serif"'>9:05
PM:
9.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Verdana","sans-serif"'>Dan River is doing a
really good job to start off the second quarter of keeping Bruton's
guards out of the lane. Defensively,
they are tops in the state in 2A in fewest points allowed for a reason, keeping
foes under 40.
normal'>Gabe Long, a 6-foot-6 senior center, comes off the bench to grab a
couple of steals.
normal'>Ethan Driskill is doing damage from
three-point territory as well.
115%;font-family:"Verdana","sans-serif"'>Driskill's
style='font-size:9.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Verdana","sans-serif"'>
conversion pushes the advantage to 23-17.
The Dan River fans get no their feet and make lots of noise after junior
multi-sport star Tremaine Edmunds throws
down a thunderous jam. A time-out by
Coach Joe Dillard of Bruton might be
a good idea right about now.
style='font-size:9.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Verdana","sans-serif"'>Kapri
style='mso-bidi-font-weight:normal'>
115%;font-family:"Verdana","sans-serif"'> Doucet
style='font-size:9.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Verdana","sans-serif"'>is
in a funk right now for Bruton and will have to step it up for the Panthers to
mount a comeback. Bruton's
offense is looking much like it did in the first part of the Martinsville game
in the State Semis, where they went 14:30 without a field goal.
style=> Dan River is riding a tremendous 13-0 run and
the Wildcats are up 27-17 with 4:28 before half-time after a couple of makes
from the foul line.
style='font-size:9.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Verdana","sans-serif"'>8:58
PM:
9.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Verdana","sans-serif"'>One quarter of
b-ball action is in the books here in the 2A State Championship at VCU and it's
Bruton in the lead, trying to hand Dan River its first and only loss of the
season en route to claiming their first state title in 14 years.
style='font-size:9.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Verdana","sans-serif"'>End
1stQ in 2A Championship - - Bruton 17, Dan River 14
"Verdana","sans-serif"'>The Panthers converted four straight free-throws to end
the first quarter, two each by Marcus
Carter and Shaquan Edwards.
style=> Meanwhile, Dan River, which is +4 on the
glass, is 0-for-4 from the charity stripe.
style='font-size:9.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Verdana","sans-serif"'>8:52
PM:
9.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Verdana","sans-serif"'>Although I thin the
faster pace favors Bruton slightly, Dan River is holding their own with the up
and down action. Junior
style='mso-bidi-font-weight:normal'>Tremaine Edmunds really flies up the court
in a hurry, although he misses a pair at the foul line.
style=> That's something we mentioned in both the
Preview and in Pre-Game; foul shots are going to be critical to the Wildcats
since that's not of their strengths.
"Verdana","sans-serif"'>Dan River is starting to get stops and ratchet it up
defensively. Six-foot-1 junior guard
style='mso-bidi-font-weight:normal'>Curtis 'Q' Stephens is getting in the
lane, too. His penetration on two
consecutive trips down the floor, finishing one with a floater, puts the
Wildcats up on Bruton by a count of 14-11 with 1:25 remaining in the first
quarter. Defensively, the Wildcats have
gone to what appears to be a 1-2-2 zone from my seat here on press row.
style='font-size:9.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Verdana","sans-serif"'>8:46
PM:
9.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Verdana","sans-serif"'>After missing their
first five shots from the field, Dan River gets on the board on a put-back from
two-sport standout Tremaine Edmunds.
style=> The junior being highly recruited for
football was an All-Courthouse Conference First Team selection on the hardwood,
and is the son of ex-NFL player Ferrell
Edmunds, an assistant for the basketball team.
style=> Dan River goes up 5-2 on a three-pointer from
junior 6-foot-1 guard Curtis 'Q'
Stephens, one of the team captains.
"Verdana","sans-serif"'>Bruton comes right back to take the lead 8-7 with 3:51
to go in the first quarter as senior guard Lonnie
Swinton (Roanoke College commit) drains a three-pointer, and then
class=SpellE>Kapri
style='mso-bidi-font-weight:normal'> Doucet (JMU
football commit) gets a steal and is fouled, hitting 1 of 2 at the foul
line.
"Verdana","sans-serif"'>It's raining three-pointers in here.
style=> Ethan
class=SpellE>Driskill, the main outside weapon for Dan River,
connects to cut the Burton lead to 11-10 following another deep bomb by
Swinton. We've got just under three
minutes left in this fast-paced, up-tempo opening quarter.
style='font-size:9.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Verdana","sans-serif"'>8:40
PM:
9.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Verdana","sans-serif"'>The 2A State
Championship and nightcap on Saturday in the 2014 VHSL Tournament is underway
as Bruton wins the opening tip.
style='mso-bidi-font-weight:normal'>Marcus Carter misses a three-pointer,
but redeems himself the next trip down after a
normal'>Lonnie Swinton steal by scoring inside.
style=> Dan River misses its first shot attempt
around the cup and Kapri
style='mso-bidi-font-weight:normal'> Doucet grabs
the rebound.
"Verdana","sans-serif"'>Just from the first two minutes of play, Bruton looks a
step quicker at the guard spot, whereas Dan River is bigger in the front-court.
style='font-size:9.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Verdana","sans-serif"'>8:25
PM:
9.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Verdana","sans-serif"'>We're moments away
from tip-off and player intros for the 2A Boys Basketball State Championship,
featuring the Bruton Panthers and unbeaten Dan River Wildcats.
style=> These two teams have the best combined
record/winning percentage of any matchup in this field, so fans are expecting
and hoping for a barn-burner.
"Verdana","sans-serif"'>Bruton, which avenged its only loss to Brunswick when
they won by 18 over the Bulldogs in the 2A-East Regional Championship, leans on
its deadly backcourt combo of Marcus
Carter and Lonnie Swinton, two
seniors that routinely hit for 20 points.
The Panthers will need a strong game from
style='mso-bidi-font-weight:normal'>Kapri
normal'> Doucet, a JMU football signee, around
the basket and for him to stay out of foul trouble.
"Verdana","sans-serif"'>Dan River has a very athletic bunch much like Bruton
and are tops in the state defensively, holding opponents under 40 points per
game. In the front-court, the Wildcats
have the trio of Edmunds' in Terrell
Edmunds (Virginia Tech football commit),
normal'>Tremaine Edmunds and
normal'>Tyleik Edmunds.
style=> All three hit the boards hard.
style=> They'll need their backcourt to D' up Carter
and Swinton, and to make a higher percentage of their free-throws than usual to
complete an undefeated season.
style='font-size:9.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Verdana","sans-serif"'>8:05
PM:
9.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Verdana","sans-serif"'>Who said third time
was a charm? It's actually the fifth as
Central-Wise finally gets over the one team that had been a thorn in their side
all year, the Gate City Lady Blue Devils.
They avenge those four losses to win the 2A Girls Basketball State
Championship on Saturday night at VCU in Richmond, outscoring them 14-4 in the
fourth and decisive quarter.
style='font-size:9.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Verdana","sans-serif";
background:yellow;mso-highlight:yellow'>GIRLS HOOPS 2A CHAMPIONSHIP FINAL - -
CENTRAL-WISE 47, GATE CITY 36
style='font-size:9.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Verdana","sans-serif"'>
"Verdana","sans-serif"'>Let's go over the numbers . . .
style='font-size:9.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Verdana","sans-serif"'>Final
Stats:
style='font-size:9.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Verdana","sans-serif"'>Central-Wise
47:
style='font-size:9.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Verdana","sans-serif"'>
style=> (24-6 Overall)
Logan Reynolds - - 20Pts. 6-11FG, 2-4 3's, 6-10FT, 6Reb. 3Ast. 0TO's
Annie Church - - 9Pts. 4-9FG, 1-3FT, 5Reb. 2Ast. 2Stl.
Kayla Mulkey - - 8Pts. 3-6FG, 2-3FT
Regan Davis - - 4Pts. 1-7FG, 1-5 3's, 1-2FT, 3Reb. 2Ast. 4Stl.
Lady Warriors - - 17-52FG, 3-14 3's, 10-20FT, 28Reb. 7Ast.
5TO's, 0Blk. 7Stl.
style='font-size:9.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Verdana","sans-serif"'>Gate
City 38:
style='font-size:9.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Verdana","sans-serif"'>
style=> (25-3 Overall)
Jordan Gose - - 11Pts. 5-12FG, 1-2FT, 4Reb.
Morgan Gose - - 9Pts. 3-11FG, 2-8 3's, 7Reb. (Fouled
Out)
Jordan Houseright - - 8Pts. 3-5FG, 2-2FT, 9Reb.
Lady Blue Devils - - 12-32FG, 2-11 3's, 12-16FT, 35Reb. 6Ast.
19TO's, 1Blk. 3Stl.
"Verdana","sans-serif"'>Don't go anywhere because coming up next it'll be the
finale for this VHSL State Basketball Tournament in 2014 with the 2A title
match in Boys Hoops between the undefeated Dan River Wildcats and Bruton
Panthers. Coming into the State Tourney,
we felt it had a great chance to bet the best game of the bunch and generally
over the years the last game of the tourney is as memorable as any.
style='font-size:9.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Verdana","sans-serif"'>7:59
PM:
9.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Verdana","sans-serif"'>It's looking all but
over here in the 2A Girls Basketball State Championship as the Lady Warriors
from Central-Wise are moments away from capturing their first ever title,
leading Gate City 47-38 with under a minute to play.
"Verdana","sans-serif"'>Wise trailed at half-time and at the end of three
quarters. However, they stayed persistent
throughout, not going away when Gate City made its run and closed the third
period with a big three-pointer from Logan
Reynolds to get within a point. It
appears that the fifth time will be a charm for them after all.
style=> Gate City was 4-0 vs. Wise coming into this
matchup, but it's the fifth one that meant the most with the state title on the
line and that will be headed to the Lady Warriors.
style='font-size:9.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Verdana","sans-serif"'>7:53
PM:
9.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Verdana","sans-serif"'>The way Wise-Central
has performed since the final minute of the third quarter is nothing short of
outstanding. Coach
normal'>Robin Dotson's Lady Warriors really want this one bad after four
losses to Gate City during the season and they are performing efficient at the
offensive end with great intensity on defense, out-hustling the opposition to
loose balls.
"Verdana","sans-serif"'>One specific sequence might've illustrated it
best. After
normal'>Annie Church, a freshman that has played well beyond her years in
this game, hit 1-of-2 at the foul line to push the lead up to 42-36, it was
style='mso-bidi-font-weight:normal'>Kayla Mulkey chasing
down the miss on the second attempt for a crucial offensive rebound
"Verdana","sans-serif"'>Gate City has gone cold offensively and turnovers have
plagued them dearly. The Lady Blue
Devils are used to this stage, making their sixth State Final Four appearance and
trying to win the state title for the first time since 2006.
style=> But for a 14-2 run to happen, a lot of things
have to go wrong for one time and a lot of things need to go right for the
other. They're going right for Wise.
style='font-size:9.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Verdana","sans-serif"'>7:44
PM:
9.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Verdana","sans-serif"'>All of the momentum
in the world is riding on the side of the Wise-Central Lady Warriors, who
trailed by four late in the third quarter until
normal'>Regan Davis' three-pointer.
Wise opens the fourth quarter scoring the first six points, three coming
on an enormous three-pointer in the corner right in front of us on press row by
Logan Reynolds.
"Verdana","sans-serif"'>Reynolds has played fabulously in this game, both
scoring and distributing with no turnovers through 23 minuets of action.
style=> Wise's game-plan has been nothing short of
superb and they are executing superbly in the half-court.
"Verdana","sans-serif"'>With 5:03 to play, it's Wise on top by a count of 40-34
on Gate City, and the Lady Blue Devils look like they don't know what hit
them. They have to get stops on the
defensive end to trigger some offensive fireworks.
style='font-size:9.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Verdana","sans-serif"'>7:38
PM:
9.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Verdana","sans-serif"'>What a finish to the
third period for Wise, which is seeking its first win over Gate City after four
losses to them on the season and in the process trying to win their first ever
state title.
"Verdana","sans-serif"'>Five-foot-4 senior guard and captain
Regan Davis went 0-for-5 from the
field in the first half. Davis couldn't
have picked a better time to score her first points, draining a deep
three-pointer just in front of her team's bench at the horn.
style=> A huge play and momentum boost for Wise.
style='font-size:9.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Verdana","sans-serif"'>End
3rdQ in 2A Girls State Championship - - Gate City 34, Central-Wise 33
"Verdana","sans-serif"'>The turnovers are up to 16 for Gate City compared to
only five for Wise. Literally, the Lady
Blue Devils seemingly coughed it up possession after possession, and they have
to shake off the cobwebs and start forcing the action with hard drives
inside. Both
normal'>Morgan Gose and
normal'>Hannah Kilgore have three fouls apiece, while no Wise starter has
more than two.
style='font-size:9.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Verdana","sans-serif"'>7:33
PM:
9.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Verdana","sans-serif"'>With a minute left
in the third quarter, it's Gate City Girls up by a count of 34-30 in the 2A
State Basketball Championship here at VCU.
Wise has scored only six points in this third quarter after 12 points in
each of the two previous quarters. We're
seeing the Gate City defense clamp down on the inside game and the Lady
Warriors aren't finding much success from the outside.
style='font-size:9.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Verdana","sans-serif"'>Logan
Reynolds
"Verdana","sans-serif"'>got the touch going late in the first half and her 12
points is rally keeping her team in it as she's navigating the defense, into
the paint and making Gate City concentrate on her quite a bit.
"Verdana","sans-serif"'>If the turnovers continue for Gate City, this one will
definitely remain close like three of the meetings have been this year.
style='font-size:9.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Verdana","sans-serif"'>7:25
PM:
9.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Verdana","sans-serif"'>It's early in the third
quarter and Wise-Central is still hanging around against Gate City, only down
by two. Wise is controlling tempo and
this is a team that has the ability to put up a lot of points as illustrated by
the fact they've scored 70-plus points on eight separate occasions.
style=> That isn't necessarily a ton for a Boys team,
but for a Girls team it definitely is.
"Verdana","sans-serif"'>Gate City has over 10 turnovers in this game and that's
something Coach Kelly
class=SpellE>Houseright knows her team will have to correct to
capture their second ever state title.
style='font-size:9.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Verdana","sans-serif"'>7:17
PM:
9.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Verdana","sans-serif"'>Some half-time
numbers to crunch and much on as Gate City Girls lead Central-Wise by a whisker
in the 2A State Championship . . .
style='font-size:9.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Verdana","sans-serif"'>Stats
at the Half:
style='font-size:9.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Verdana","sans-serif"'>Gate
City Girls 25:
Morgan Gose - - 9Pts. 3-6FG, 2-4 3's, 3Reb.
Jordan Gose - - 6Pts. 3-8FG, 2Reb.
Kaely Gose - - 4Pts. 4-4FT,
2Reb. 2PF
Jordan Houseright - - 4Pts. 1-1FG, 2-2FT, 4Reb.
Lady Blue Devils - - 7-15FG, 2-4 3's, 9-10FT, 15Reb. 5Ast.
9TO's, 0Blk. 2Stl.
style='font-size:9.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Verdana","sans-serif"'>Wise-Central
Girls 24:
Logan Reynolds - - 8Pts. 3-6FG, 1-3 3's, 2Reb. 2Ast.
Annie Church - - 8Pts. 4-8FG, 2Reb.
Kayla Mulkey - - 6Pts. 3-4FG, 2PF
Lady Warriors - - 11-33FG, 1-8 3's, 1-2FT, 16Reb. 3Ast.
4TO's, 0Blk. 4Stl.
"Verdana","sans-serif"'>You see a trend with the last name Gose
for Gate City? Yeah,
me too. They're carrying the Lady
Blue Devils, who have 18 fewer shot attempts and somehow lead the game.
style=> Turnovers by them and a ton of offensive
rebounds for Wise have done that to them.
Wise weathered the run and is playing about as well as they can.
style=> Another burst is probably coming, and they'll
need to get to the foul line more in the second half to pull out a win.
"Verdana","sans-serif"'>On another note, this thought came to me.
style=> Can you imagine beating a team four times and
losing to them in the fifth meeting in the State Championship?
style=> Gate City is hoping that doesn't happen to
them.
style='font-size:9.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Verdana","sans-serif"'>7:11
PM:
style=> Just when it looked like Gate City was
starting to pull away, Wise answers thanks to
normal'>Logan Reynolds, a
5-foot-7 junior and one of the team captains, sparking a 7-0 run to close the
half. She hit the team's lone
three-pointer of the half as well.
style='font-size:9.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Verdana","sans-serif"'>2A
Girls Championship at the Half - - Gate City 25, Central-Wise 24
"Verdana","sans-serif"'>We'll have some statistics to go over momentarily.
style='font-size:9.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Verdana","sans-serif"'>7:05
PM:
9.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Verdana","sans-serif"'>Nearing the end of
the second quarter, it's Gate City clinging to a 21-15 lead on Central-Wise.
style=> One thing Wise has been unable to do with a
lot of success is shooting from the outside.
All of their points have come inside the arc and they didn't go to the
free-throw line once, which would help their cause considerably.
"Verdana","sans-serif"'>Gate City has done a good job of keeping the fouls
down, to only three team personals, while making their run.
style=> They are starting to catch some defenders out
of position not moving their feet properly, thus earning themselves trips to
the free-throw line. Reserve
style='mso-bidi-font-weight:normal'>Jordan Houseright
just knocked down two at the foul line to extend the lead to eight, their
largest of the game and the Lady Warriors in that danger zone, desperately needing
one of those outside shots to fall.
style=>
style='font-size:9.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Verdana","sans-serif"'>6:58
PM:
9.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Verdana","sans-serif"'>One quarter is in
the books in this 2A State Girls Basketball Championship between Gate City and
Central-Wise. What caught my attention
about this game is that they not only met in the 1A-West Region Championship
with Gate City winning 44-38, but they have played four times on the
season. All four previous meetings have
been won by Gate City, three of them by six points or less.
"Verdana","sans-serif"'>Central-Wise is hoping the fifth time is a charm against
their Clinch Mountain Conference 40 rival.
Early on, they were in control and Coach
normal'>Robin Dotson was very pleased with his team's play at both ends,
especially freshman guard Annie Church scoring
six points in helping the Lady Warriors build a 10-4 lead.
"Verdana","sans-serif"'>Coming right back was Gate City with a giant 13-2
blast, led by their standout senior Morgan
Gose with nine points on 3-of-5 shooting, sinking
a couple of three-pointers in the process.
style='font-size:9.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Verdana","sans-serif"'>End
1stQ in 2A Girls Championship - - Gate City 17, Central-Wise 12
style='font-size:9.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Verdana","sans-serif"'>6:50
PM:
9.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Verdana","sans-serif"'>Greetings again as
it is time for our Sixth Session of LIVE Blogging for the 2014 VHSL State
Basketball Tournament at the Verizon Wireless Arena in the Stuart C. Siegel
Center on the campus of Virginia Commonwealth University.
"Verdana","sans-serif"'>Earlier on, we had two more Champions crowned to bring
the total to 10 as Altavista Boys and Chilhowie Girls
won in different fashions.
class=SpellE>Altavista had to knock off a fellow defending State Champ
that was ranked #1 all season long, while Chilhowie avenged an eight-point loss
to a Honaker team in the regional final with a convincing win for their first
ever state title.
"Verdana","sans-serif"'>For those that missed our previous Blog Entries, you
can see them at the links below.
href="http://virginiapreps.rivals.com/content.asp?CID=1619118">
style='mso-bidi-font-weight:normal'>
115%;font-family:"Verdana","sans-serif";text-decoration:none;text-underline:
none'>To see the 3A Championship Blog (Session #1) Click Here
style='font-size:9.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Verdana","sans-serif"'>
style='mso-bidi-font-weight:normal'>
115%;font-family:"Verdana","sans-serif";text-decoration:none;text-underline:
none'>To see the 4A Championship Blog (Session #2) Click Here
style='mso-bidi-font-weight:normal'>
115%;font-family:"Verdana","sans-serif"'>
style='mso-bidi-font-weight:normal'>
115%;font-family:"Verdana","sans-serif";text-decoration:none;text-underline:
none'>To see the 5A Championship Blog (Session #3) Click Here
style='font-size:9.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Verdana","sans-serif"'>
href="http://virginiapreps.rivals.com/content.asp?CID=1619129">
style='text-decoration:none;text-underline:none'>To see the 6A Championship
Blog (Session #4) Click Here
style='text-decoration:none;text-underline:none'>To see the 1A Championship
Blog (Session #5) Click Here
"Verdana","sans-serif"'>In addition to the Blogs, you can follow the
href="http://www.twitter.com/hatfieldsports">
normal'>
text-decoration:none;text-underline:none'>Hatfield Sports Twitter feed
style='font-size:9.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Verdana","sans-serif"'>
for periodic updates and tidbits, too.
"Verdana","sans-serif"'>Underneath are the Championship results so far and what's
on the docket on this Saturday that will close out the High School Basketball
season, which comes one day before Selection Sunday for the NCAA Men's
Basketball Tournament at the Division I level.
style='font-size:9.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Verdana","sans-serif"'>
normal'>2A
State Championships on Saturday:
style='font-size:9.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Verdana","sans-serif"'>Girls
- W1 Gate City (25-2) vs. W2 Central-Wise (23-6) - - March 15 at 6:30PM
Boys - E1 Bruton (26-1) vs. W1 Dan River (24-0) - - March 15 at 8:30PM
style='font-size:9.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Verdana","sans-serif"'>
normal'>1A
State Championships on Saturday:
style='font-size:9.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Verdana","sans-serif";
background:yellow;mso-highlight:yellow'>1A GIRLS FINAL - - CHILHOWIE 60,
HONAKER 34
1A BOYS FINAL - - ALTAVISTA 49, RADFORD 44
normal'>
style='font-size:9.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Verdana","sans-serif"'>
normal'>6A
State Championships from Friday:
style='font-size:9.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Verdana","sans-serif";
background:yellow;mso-highlight:yellow'>6A GIRLS FINAL - - COSBY 53, STONEWALL
JACKSON 46
6A BOYS FINAL - - COLONIAL FORGE 58, LANDSTOWN 54
style='mso-bidi-font-weight:normal'>
115%;font-family:"Verdana","sans-serif"'>
style='font-size:9.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Verdana","sans-serif"'>
normal'>5A
State Championships from Friday:
style='font-size:9.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Verdana","sans-serif";
background:yellow;mso-highlight:yellow'>5A GIRLS FINAL - - PRINCESS ANNE 57,
HIGHLAND SPRINGS 52
5A BOYS FINAL - - POTOMAC 54, HENRICO 42
normal'>
style='font-size:9.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Verdana","sans-serif"'>
normal'>4A
State Championships from Thursday:
style='font-size:9.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Verdana","sans-serif";
background:yellow;mso-highlight:yellow'>4A GIRLS FINAL - - LAKE TAYLOR 57,
WILLIAM FLEMING 50
4A BOYS FINAL - - NORCOM 59, HANDLEY 52
normal'>
style='font-size:9.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Verdana","sans-serif"'>
normal'>3A
State Championships from Thursday:
style='font-size:9.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Verdana","sans-serif";
background:yellow;mso-highlight:yellow'>3A GIRLS FINAL - - SPOTSWOOD 56,
BROADWAY 49
3A BOYS FINAL - - JOHN MARSHALL 74, GEORGE WYTHE 56
style='mso-bidi-font-weight:normal'>
115%;font-family:"Verdana","sans-serif"'>
"Verdana","sans-serif"'>
style='font-size:9.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Verdana","sans-serif"'>VAPREPS
BOYS STATE CHAMPIONSHIP GAME PREVIEWS:
9.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Verdana","sans-serif"'>
style='mso-bidi-font-weight:normal'>
115%;font-family:"Verdana","sans-serif";text-decoration:none;text-underline:
none'>6A Preview - - Colonial Forge vs. Landstown
style='mso-bidi-font-weight:normal'>
115%;font-family:"Verdana","sans-serif"'>
style='mso-bidi-font-weight:normal'>
115%;font-family:"Verdana","sans-serif";text-decoration:none;text-underline:
none'>5A Preview - - Henrico vs. Potomac
normal'>
href="http://virginiapreps.rivals.com/content.asp?SID=914&CID=1619109">
style='mso-bidi-font-weight:normal'>
115%;font-family:"Verdana","sans-serif";text-decoration:none;text-underline:
none'>4A Preview - - Norcom vs. Handley
style='mso-bidi-font-weight:normal'>
115%;font-family:"Verdana","sans-serif"'>
style='mso-bidi-font-weight:normal'>
115%;font-family:"Verdana","sans-serif";text-decoration:none;text-underline:
none'>3A Preview - - George Wythe vs. John Marshall
style='mso-bidi-font-weight:normal'>
115%;font-family:"Verdana","sans-serif"'>
style='mso-bidi-font-weight:normal'>
115%;font-family:"Verdana","sans-serif";text-decoration:none;text-underline:
none'>2A Preview - - Bruton vs. Dan River
normal'>
style='mso-bidi-font-weight:normal'>
115%;font-family:"Verdana","sans-serif";text-decoration:none;text-underline:
none'>1A Preview - - Radford vs. Altavista
style='mso-bidi-font-weight:normal'>
115%;font-family:"Verdana","sans-serif"'>
style='font-size:9.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Verdana","sans-serif"'>
style='mso-bidi-font-style:normal'>
115%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif";text-decoration:none;text-underline:
none'>Matthew Hatfield
style='font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"'>
href="http://www.virginiapreps.com">
style='font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif";
text-decoration:none;text-underline:none'>VirginiaPreps.com
style='mso-bidi-font-style:normal'>
115%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"'>, part of the Rivals.com
href="http://www.twitter.com/hatfieldsports">
normal'>
text-decoration:none;text-underline:none'>Hatfield's Twitter page
style='mso-bidi-font-style:normal'>
115%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"'> for more sports related updates,
href="http://www.suffolknewsherald.com">
style='font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif";
text-decoration:none;text-underline:none'>Suffolk News Herald
style='mso-bidi-font-style:normal'>
115%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"'>.
href="mailto:hatfieldsports2k4@yahoo.com">
style='font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif";
text-decoration:none;text-underline:none'>hatfieldsports2k4@yahoo.com
style='mso-bidi-font-style:normal'>
115%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"'>, and don't forget to listen to him
style='mso-bidi-font-style:normal'>
115%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif";text-decoration:none;text-underline:
none'>ESPN Radio 94.1
style='font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"'>,
style='mso-bidi-font-style:normal'>
115%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif";text-decoration:none;text-underline:
none'>Cox 11 Sports Report
style='font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"'>.
style='mso-bidi-font-weight:normal'>
115%;font-family:"Verdana","sans-serif"'>
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