Titans Capture Back To Back Titles
(FAIRFAX, VA)--For anyone doubting or questioning TC Williams' ability to repeat as regional champs, all they needed to do was watch Anthony Winbush. Scoring a game-high 24 points--18 of which came in the first half--Winbush stole the show as he paced his Titans to a 66-54 win and second consecutive region championship.
Thanks to Winbush, the Titans would take an early lead against the Langley Saxons in the first quarter and never looked back. While a fourth quarter scare gave TC Williams a cause for concern, it was the Titans still able to standing strong when the dust settled. Becoming the first school to win two straight region titles since Grant Hill and South Lakes did so in the early 1990's, the Titans will now go on to face the Eastern Region runner-up in the state tournament.
In the early going, it was the 6-foot-7 guard/forward Winbush who got TC Williams going as he poured in 11 points in the opening stanza. Not to be outdone, Langley's big man Ahmed Malik put in five points along with guard Barrett Hunter contributing with six to bring Langley within four after the first quarter.
Yet that was as close as Langley would get. From the second quarter onwards, the guard play of Winbush, Edward Jenkins (13 points), and Travis Berry (11 points) ran to perfection their fast-break offense which helped open up a double-digit lead throughout the ballgame. Also getting a strong post presence from forward Tomas Camara, who brought down seven rebounds and finished with eight points, and the Titans were able to never to look back.
In an attempt to reel his team back into the game and give his team a region title, first-team all-region selection Ryan Davenport scored nearly half of his team's points in the second and third quarter alone. The effort would not be enough, however, as TC Williams still maintained a healthy 52-35 lead after the third quarter and for much of the fourth as well.
It wasn't until guard Thomas Kody and Malik got hot and were suddenly able to pull Langley within seven points in the closing minutes of the fourth quarter. Much of the announced crowd of 5,000-plus fans, many of whom Langley supporters, also found their way back into the ballgame, but neither the crowd, Kody, or Malik could stop the Titans on this night. Following a timeout, the Titans went on a mini 8-2 run to end any hopes of a Langley comeback.
With TC's region championship win, they now go on to host a first-round state tournament match-up against the Eastern Region runner-up, which will take place at Robinson. Last year, the Titans lost to Freedom-Woodbridge in the first round. Langley in the meantime, will travel down to the Eastern Region to face the Eastern Region champion.
The all-tournament team was announced following the conclusion of last night's game, where MVP honors were given to Winbush. Also included on the team were Berry, Colin Flaherty (Madison), Dominic Morra (Lake Braddock), Davenport, Malik, and Jenkins.
Gameday Magazine will once again have you covered for TC Williams' championship run, providing live access from Robinson starting at 5:30.
Chick-Fil-A Players of the Game:
Anthony Winbush, TC Williams- No surprise here as Winbush was unstoppable all night long, providing a game-high 24 points. Also garnering tournament MVP honors, Winbush also will get our nod for Chick-Fil-A player of the game.
Derek Baker, Langley- Again providing a strong defensive presence, Baker grabbed a game-high eight rebounds while also providing ten points on the night for the Saxons.
