Albemarle got a career-high 27 points from Chris Cox and led wire-to-wire in a 91-55 home win over Fluvanna County on Friday night.
The Patriots (10-3) used a 9-0 burst right after Fluvanna began the second quarter with a 7-0 run of their own as the Flucos trimmed an 11-point deficit after one period to 20-16 two minutes into the second. Included in the run was a stickback leading to an and-one from Derrick Jones, who was Albemarle’s next-highest scorer at 19 after being held scoreless in the first quarter.
“Our goal was to put a full game together,” AHS coach Greg Maynard said. “We won Monday and Tuesday and played well in spurts, but never played a complete game. We know that’s what you have to do to hang with the Louisas, the Charlottesvilles, the Culpepers of the world.”
These two teams met on Monday in a game rescheduled because of snow, and that one was tied at halftime before Albemarle pulled away.
This time around, Fluvanna (2-12) was missing starting center Walter Stribling, giving AHS a decided advantage inside. Even the Patriots’ smaller players hit the glass, as the half ended with a tip-in from backup point guard Jackson Rose, pushing the lead to 39-23 at the break.
“We really tried to force our tempo more,” Maynard said. “They got their defense set every possession the first three quarters in Fluvanna. They play well when they get their defense set.”
Jones hit a pair of threes after halftime as Albemarle seized complete control of the game in the third. Cox had seven of his points in that frame, including a three-for-three performance at the free throw line. Albemarle led 64-43 after three and that allowed ample time for Maynard to get his reserves some action.
“Chris played really hard, running the floor well, taking it very aggressively and his shots were falling.” Maynard said. “It’s all because of desire and how hard he plays.”
Kobe Edmonds led Fluvanna with 16 points. Drew Pace added 11 for the Flucos, turning in a 6-for-8 clip at the foul line after going to war all night against Albemarle’s bigs. But Fluvanna simply didn’t have the firepower to keep up and committed too many turnovers.
Albemarle returns to action Wednesday when it steps out of district to host Culpeper. Fluvanna travels to William Monroe on Monday.
