Pioneers Steamroll Judges, 64-46
WINCHESTER, VA - In a crucial match-up between 2 teams fighting for Northwestern District supremacy Friday night, the Millbrook Pioneer boys basketball team played host to cross-town rival, the Handley Judges. The night started exciting even before the ball was tipped, as it was announced that Pioneer star guard, junior Erick Green, had verbally committed to Virginia Tech, just that day.
The game, itself, started slow, with the first points coming with almost two minutes already off the clock. Both teams only managed a combined 17 points in the quarter, as it ended with the Judges holding a slim 9-8 edge over the Pioneers.
Both teams started to light it up in the second quarter of play, with each hitting key perimeter shots. With the Judges and Pioneers trading punches the whole way, a late 6-point run by the Pioneers, capped off by 2 Andrew Oates free throws with 13 seconds left, gave the home team a 27-24 edge going into the locker room.
The third quarter didn't change much, as both teams continued to hit key shots on the floor. The Pioneers, once again, began to strike late. The key spark seemed to come when Millbrook's Levon Williams stole the ball late in the quarter, drove the length of the court, and brought the home crowd to its feet with a monster, 2-handed slam dunk, shifting all momentum to the Pioneers.
"Our team really needed a spark, and so I figured this might provide that, so I went up there, and it worked, and that's definitely what helped us pull away," said Williams after the game.
The third quarter ended with the Pioneers leading 47-41. The fourth quarter, however, was all Millbrook, as the Pioneers seemed to score at will, putting up 17 points in the frame. Defensively, Millbrook held the Judges to just 5 points, which left the final score, 64-46, with the Pioneers picking up their 15th win on the season, and improving to 9-0 in district play. This also marks the second time they have beaten rival Handley this year.
"Hitting key shots, and being very active defensively in the second half helped lead to this victory. However, we can't let our guard down, otherwise, this win won't mean a thing," said head Pioneer coach Scott Mankins after the game.
Added Green; "The whole game was very exciting. Our team really came to play, and we came out and took care of business."
The Pioneers move to 15-1 overall on the season. With the win, Millbrook now enjoys a 2 game edge in the Northwestern District standings, all but locking up the regular season title, and the #1 seed going into the tournament.
Chick-fil-A Players of the Game:
Erick Green - Junior Guard, Millbrook
Everything seemed to go right for Green on the night. After announcing his commitment to VA Tech prior to the game, he then went on to lead his team to victory, behind a 21 point night.
J.J. Dorsey - Senior Guard, HandleyDorsey continued to "Mr. Everything" for the Judges, but it just wasn't enough to propel his team to the upset victory on the road. Dorsey led all Judge scoring with 16 points, and added 6 steals.
