Boys Basketball Wins Three, Drops One in Christmas Break Contests
It was bound to end at some point.
WCA lost it first two games of the season to break its 7-game unbeaten streak to open the season, but questions remain as to whether those games would have been lost at all if they were both played throughout with a healthy reigning VISAA Division 3 Player of the Year in Cle’von Greene.
Greene Goes Down in Loss to Miller
Just before the break, WCA suffered its first loss of the season, a substantial defeat at the hands of the Miller School, a VISAA Divison 2 powerhouse currently ranked #3 in their division statewide by MaxPreps. The game was remaining competitive until the wind flew out of the sails with a moderate injury to Team Captain and Radford University commit Cle’von Greene. Da’Shawn Cook picked up the torch from Greene scoring 26, but was the only remaining player who would score in double digits in the 71-52 defeat. The Eagles never regrouped after Greene’s departure, although in games to come, it would seem the injury may have been a blessing in disguise for the Eagles.
Team Rebounds Without Greene At Home
The last day of classes before Christmas, WCA faced off against Division 2 Nansemond-Suffolk Academy. A solid team with wins against some of WCA’s common opponents, the Saints were no match for WCA at home, even without Greene, as the Eagles outscored the Saints by 16 in the first half alone, finishing 69-44. Ra’Shawn Cook was the hot hand in this one, scoring 24 points on 7 of 11 shooting from the field. Role player junior players Dexter Radcliffe and Malachi Banks got into the action to help the Eagles in their solid win with 12 and 13 points respectively.
WCA Wins Out at Atlantic Shores Showcase
The Atlantic Shores Christmas Tourney presented a great test of how well WCA could fare against robust competition without the help of Cle’von Greene, who was scheduled to be sidelined at least another week from this tourney. Both games were punctuated by the ratcheting down of the team’s defense, as neither of their opponents was able to score over 55 points. Against the Central Virginia Disciples of Richmond, the Eagles managed a 59-54 win on the strength of what would become the story of these games without Greene, the rapidly improving play of Malachi Banks. Banks put in 21 of the Eagles 59 points, including 80% from three-point range, and five of six free throws. Rebounding was another point of strength in this one, as junior Radcliffe gathered in eight rebounds, and sophomore Jalen Vaughan corralled seven more.
In the second game, WCA faced a familiar foe in the Carmel School. The Eagles handled Carmel by 14 in their first matchup and made it two in a row with a 64-55 win at the Shores Tourney. The Eagles jumped on the Wildcats early, running out a 20-7 lead in the first quarter, and maintaining that lead most of the way through the game. Banks was again the lead scorer in this one, tallying 22 points, and cementing his status as the top 6th man option off the bench upon the return of Greene. Ra’Shawn Cook also contributed another strong game with 18 points, ten rebounds, and six steals.
Eagles Go On the Road For Rematch vs. Capital Christian
The Eagles were without Greene once again as they traveled to Upper Marlboro, Maryland to challenge DC Metro area powerhouse, Capitol Christian. CCA had beaten the Eagles soundly last season, even with the presence of 6′ 9″ Chester Makoi. This time around not only were they without Makoi, who moved in the offseason, but also their leader Greene. The Eagles response to this adversity may well be the element needed to deliver this team to the final four in VISAA Division 3 once again this season. The narrow 71-67 defeat showed not only could they survive in the absence of Greene, but step up and deliver against top-quality competition. Da’Shawn Cook and Banks once again were the top scorers with 22 points apiece.
Greene Returns as Eagles Take TPLS Christian in Final Tourney Season Matchup
WCA rebounded nicely from the loss to Capitol Christian with a victory in the Squires Showcase at Richard Bland, 58-45, this past weekend, which will wrap up the bulk of their tournament action. A defensive battle with no high flying action, the scoring was evenly distributed along the roster. Greene returned with 11 points and six steals, while Da’Shawn Cook led all scorers with 15. Ra’Shawn Cook chipped in 9 as did sophomore big man Jalen Vaughan.
The team, now 11-2, was expected to play perennial powerhouse Cape Henry Collegiate last Friday, but that game has been postponed to January 31st due to the snow storm. The team’s game against Broadwater Academy has also been delayed as Broadwater continues to dig out. The Eagles next varsity matchup will be our Homecoming game on Friday, as the team will face Isle of Wight at home, game time is 7 PM. Hope to see you all for more fantastic Eagles Hoop action!
Boys Basketball Wins Three, Drops One in Christmas Break Contests
It was bound to end at some point.
WCA lost it first two games of the season to break its 7-game unbeaten streak to open the season, but questions remain as to whether those games would have been lost at all if they were both played throughout with a healthy reigning VISAA Division 3 Player of the Year in Cle’von Greene.
Greene Goes Down in Loss to Miller
Just before the break, WCA suffered its first loss of the season, a substantial defeat at the hands of the Miller School, a VISAA Divison 2 powerhouse currently ranked #3 in their division statewide by MaxPreps. The game was remaining competitive until the wind flew out of the sails with a moderate injury to Team Captain and Radford University commit Cle’von Greene. Da’Shawn Cook picked up the torch from Greene scoring 26, but was the only remaining player who would score in double digits in the 71-52 defeat. The Eagles never regrouped after Greene’s departure, although in games to come, it would seem the injury may have been a blessing in disguise for the Eagles.
Team Rebounds Without Greene At Home
The last day of classes before Christmas, WCA faced off against Division 2 Nansemond-Suffolk Academy. A solid team with wins against some of WCA’s common opponents, the Saints were no match for WCA at home, even without Greene, as the Eagles outscored the Saints by 16 in the first half alone, finishing 69-44. Ra’Shawn Cook was the hot hand in this one, scoring 24 points on 7 of 11 shooting from the field. Role player junior players Dexter Radcliffe and Malachi Banks got into the action to help the Eagles in their solid win with 12 and 13 points respectively.
WCA Wins Out at Atlantic Shores Showcase
The Atlantic Shores Christmas Tourney presented a great test of how well WCA could fare against robust competition without the help of Cle’von Greene, who was scheduled to be sidelined at least another week from this tourney. Both games were punctuated by the ratcheting down of the team’s defense, as neither of their opponents was able to score over 55 points. Against the Central Virginia Disciples of Richmond, the Eagles managed a 59-54 win on the strength of what would become the story of these games without Greene, the rapidly improving play of Malachi Banks. Banks put in 21 of the Eagles 59 points, including 80% from three-point range, and five of six free throws. Rebounding was another point of strength in this one, as junior Radcliffe gathered in eight rebounds, and sophomore Jalen Vaughan corralled seven more.
In the second game, WCA faced a familiar foe in the Carmel School. The Eagles handled Carmel by 14 in their first matchup and made it two in a row with a 64-55 win at the Shores Tourney. The Eagles jumped on the Wildcats early, running out a 20-7 lead in the first quarter, and maintaining that lead most of the way through the game. Banks was again the lead scorer in this one, tallying 22 points, and cementing his status as the top 6th man option off the bench upon the return of Greene. Ra’Shawn Cook also contributed another strong game with 18 points, ten rebounds, and six steals.
Eagles Go On the Road For Rematch vs. Capital Christian
The Eagles were without Greene once again as they traveled to Upper Marlboro, Maryland to challenge DC Metro area powerhouse, Capitol Christian. CCA had beaten the Eagles soundly last season, even with the presence of 6′ 9″ Chester Makoi. This time around not only were they without Makoi, who moved in the offseason, but also their leader Greene. The Eagles response to this adversity may well be the element needed to deliver this team to the final four in VISAA Division 3 once again this season. The narrow 71-67 defeat showed not only could they survive in the absence of Greene, but step up and deliver against top-quality competition. Da’Shawn Cook and Banks once again were the top scorers with 22 points apiece.
Greene Returns as Eagles Take TPLS Christian in Final Tourney Season Matchup
WCA rebounded nicely from the loss to Capitol Christian with a victory in the Squires Showcase at Richard Bland, 58-45, this past weekend, which will wrap up the bulk of their tournament action. A defensive battle with no high flying action, the scoring was evenly distributed along the roster. Greene returned with 11 points and six steals, while Da’Shawn Cook led all scorers with 15. Ra’Shawn Cook chipped in 9 as did sophomore big man Jalen Vaughan.
The team, now 11-2, was expected to play perennial powerhouse Cape Henry Collegiate last Friday, but that game has been postponed to January 31st due to the snow storm. The team’s game against Broadwater Academy has also been delayed as Broadwater continues to dig out. The Eagles next varsity matchup will be our Homecoming game on Friday, as the team will face Isle of Wight at home, game time is 7 PM. Hope to see you all for more fantastic Eagles Hoop action!
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