Recapping a Busy Friday Night in Local Hoops

By Will Armbruster Friday, January 06, 2012

HRA, WCA boys win big, and a big night in the Bay Rivers - including an upset of one of the last two unbeatens.

Lafayette 71  New Kent 60

The host Rams had four players score in double figures as they handed New Kent (5-4 Bay Rivers) their second straight loss. Forward Jeff Smith had a big first half for Lafayette (8-4, 8-2 Bay Rivers) and finished with 12 points and eight rebounds. Colton St. Cyr scored 10 of his team-high 16 in the second half to hold off the Trojans’ free-firing shooters, and Dewayne Johnson was a dominant presence in the paint; he finished with 13 points and six rebounds. John Fitchett added 12 points and hauled in six rebounds. Marvin Allen drained three from long range to lead the Trojans with 21 points. Dre Washington added 12, and point guard Tanner Luck finished with six points and 11 assists.

Warhill 59  York 52

After scoring a career-high 28 points in Wedneday’s win over Jamestown, Warhill guard Devonte Dedmond tied a school record wirth 29 points to lead the Lions (4-6, 4-5 Bay Rivers) over visiting York (3-9, 1-8 Bay Rivers). Brandon Harvell led the Falcons with 24 points, including four three-point buckets. Dedmond also grabbed seven rebounds and was 8-10 from the free-throw strip in the effort.

Smithfield 55  Bruton 53

Kai Brown’s three-point attempt in the final seconds just missed as host Smithfield handed Bruton its first loss of the season. Darren Major’s impressive season continued as he led the Packers (6-6, 4-6 Bay Rivers) with 20 points, raising his season average close to 20ppg. Marcus Carter led the Panthers (10-1, 8-1 Bay Rivers) with 18 points, and Brown finished with 13 off the bench. Bruton has a potential first-place showdown with undefeated Grafton (7-0 Bay Rivers) next Friday.

Grafton 66 Poquoson 39

The Clippers (7-0 Bay Rivers) caught fire from the field in the first half shooting 15-19 from the field - including 5-5 from the perimeter - as they jumped out to a 39-25 lead at halftime. Kevin Barnes led the way with a game-high 17 points, and sophomore point guard Joey Miller added 14. Dylan Hill scored 14 to lead the Islanders (3-6 Bay Rivers), as sharp-shooter Royce Bowden was held to a season-low four points. Grafton will participate in the renowned VApreps showcase tomorrow at Virginia Wesleyan. They square off against Churchland at 7 p.m.

Tabb 73  Jamestown  50

The Tigers, who were led by Joe Nelson’s game-high 18 points, got their fourth win in five games behind a balanced scoring effort. Reigning Bay  Rivers Player of the Year Shaquille Rodney scored 17, and junior forward Daniel Schiele finished with 14 as Tabb improved to 6-4 in Bay Rivers play. Rodney Smith scored 13 to lead the struggling Eagles, who fell to 0-10 in the district on the season.

Hampton Roads Academy 77  Nansemond Suffolk Academy 50

HRA (10-3) cruised after opening the game with a 22-0 lead. Jordan Gillam scored a game-high 30 points on 8-11 from three-point range to lead the Navigators. Chris Tang finished with 15 points and six assists.

Williamsburg Christian Academy 71  Hampton Christian 38

Point guard Deron Powers led the Eagles with 22 points and eight assists, Jake Duncan scored 21 and Joe Treacy’s 10-point, 12-rebound double-double helped lift WCA to 12-4 on the year (5-1 in the Metro Conference). Keenan Gasway added seven points and three steals off the bench, and Kyle Pfeifer chipped in with eight points and 10 rebounds.

Girls Basketball

Williamsburg Christian Academy 71  Hampton Christian 18

The Eagles (13-2, 6-0 Metro Conference) improved their conference record to a perfect 6-0 with a 50-point blowout of Hampton Christian. Sophomore Keyana Brown led WCA with 19 points, and Tiara Strong chipped in with 10. Hampton Christian was led by Mikayla Black’s nine points.

Nansemond Suffolk Academy 48  Hampton Roads Academy  38

HRA’s fourth-quarter rally came up short as the Navigators fell to 3-5 on the year. Daysia Hicks led HRA with 17 points. Pieroni (18 points) and Birdsong (10 points) led the Saints in double figures.