By Bryan Rothamel / Flucoblog.com
The Fluvanna boys’ basketball team mixed in a high-powered first half offense with a stifling defense to beat district rival Charlottesville 55-39 Tuesday night.
“We got out to a quick start. We shot the ball well in the first quarter and got that lead. I thought we did a great job again in running our offense,” said FCHS head coach Munro Rateau.
The Flucos started the game on a 10-2 run and didn’t miss an uncontested shot for the first four minutes of the game. One shot didn’t go in because of a foul, but Dale Ludwig hit both free throws instead. It was that type of night for Fluvanna.
Charlottesville couldn’t find the basket, missing turnaround jump shots, 3-point attempts and fast break opportunities. Then to compound the problem, the Flucos grabbed 39 rebounds. It was that type of night for Charlottesville.
FCHS held a 16-6 lead after the first quarter. The scoring differential didn’t get much better in the second quarter. Fluvanna started the second frame on a 10-2 run.
“Everyone is starting to develop into their role now,” said Fluvanna sophomore Vinny Agee who scored the first eight points of the game. “No one is trying to play out of their persona. Everyone is stepping up to their role.”
Charlottesville did score the first four points of the third quarter to cut the lead to 35-23 but then went scoreless for the next 8:30 of play, spanning into the fourth quarter. The Flucos scored 14 straight points in that span, making it 49-23.
“They did a good job executing their offense. They were very patient, they got the shots they wanted to get — that’s the difference in the game,” said CHS head coach Mitch Minor.
Charlottesville tried to go to its tried and true full court press whenever possible. The speed advantage the Black Knights appeared to have proved to be ineffective.
“We try to beat the press through passing it. We did that effectively tonight,” said Fluco guard Dorian Butler.
Minor said, “I don’t think we defended well. We had the speed but we didn’t utilize it at all. They beat us down the court too. It is something we need to work on.”
Fluvanna forward Jalen Harrison led all scores with 15 points along with four rebounds. Agee recorded another double-double with 14 points and 12 rebounds. FCHS senior Dashon Tibbs grabbed 12 rebounds along with his eight points. Butler scored seven points and dished out four assists.
Jordan Saylor led Charlottesville with 12 points, all in the fourth quarter. Isaiah Green had 10 points. Darius Watson ended the night with seven.
Next up for Fluvanna (10-2, 2-1 JD) is Powhatan on Thursday night. Game time is set for 7:30 p.m. on Jan. 10 in Palmyra.
Charlottesville is Louisa also on Thursday night. The game will be played at Fluvanna Middle School (the old high school). Game time is set for 7:30 p.m. at the Shoebox.
