Varina Stuns John Marshall to Reach TDIT Final

Varina outscored John Marshall 15-6 in the final four minutes to surprise the Justices 56-47 to advance to their 2nd ever Times Dispatch Invitational Tournament championship game.

Sophomore Tyrese Jenkins scored all ll of his points in the second half after showing more aggression offensively coming out of the locker room. Jenkins scoring eight points in the 3rd quarter but the Blue Devils still trailed 35-28 with a minute to go in the 3rd quarter.

Point guard Zion Ross provided the spark to start the 4th quarter and his two free throws completed an 8-0 Blue Devil run to give them their 1st lead since the 1st quarter. Kenard Richardson stepped up to score all six of his points with the game on the line.

The lead alternated several times until a breakaway layup by Samond Pinchback gave Varina a 46-43 lead with two minutes to go. A 3-point play from Jenkins extended the lead to 49-43. The Blue Devils made 14 of 17 free throws in the final quarter to seal the deal.

Varina placed three players in double figures with Andre Watkins leading the way with 12 points including seven points in the 1st quarter. Kenneth Southerland had a big presence inside finishing with 11 points and a team high nine rebounds.

James Madison commit Greg Jones led John Marshall with 13 points while adding seven rebounds and three assists. Isaiah Anderson added 10 boards and six points while Demar Mcrae scored 6 of his 9 points in the final period. Isaiah Todd scored 9 points including two dunks on inbound passes from Levar Allen who had five assists.