By Ben Sheridan / Scrimmageplaycva.com contributor
Sometimes you can just get locked in on the defensive end and alter the complexion of the game.
“I thought that was the best defense we’ve played all year,” said Fluvanna coach Heath Bralley. “I was really, really happy with our defense, and the intensity changed the game from the defensive end and helped our offense
The Flucos played toughness defensively all game whether their shots were falling or not,and picked up a 50-37 victory over William Monroe to move to 2-0 on the young season.
The defensive effort began in the first quarter, where the Flucos were able to jump out to a large early lead. The Dragons led early 4-3, but Fluvanna ripped off a 14-3 run the rest of the quarter to take an 18-7. Kobe Edmonds scored all 10 of his points in the opening frame to complement the Flucos’ defensive effort..
In the second quarter, most of the shots stopped falling but the defensive intensity remained for the Flucos as they allowed just six points in the period. They also found ways to get good looks around the perimeter, knocking down six threes. John Rittenhouse knocked down two threes in the half and end with 11 points in the game.
“I think we can really shoot it well, I would like to see most of us get into the paint more and get us some easier shots. We have a great, good, and bad shot and definition for each one, and in our games, I think we’re shooting 70 percent of our great shots, 45 percent of our good shots, and 16 percent of our bad shots,” said Bralley.
Fluvanna went to the break with a halftime lead of 26-13, and carried their defensive effort into the second half. They were pressing and creating turnovers, which helped generate offensive opportunities for them. The Flucos eventually used that intensity to bolster their lead, staying ahead of the Dragons 37-21 going into the fourth.
Things wouldn’t get much closer the rest of the way, as defense still led the way for the Flucos. The Dragons did have their best offensive quarter though, scoring 16 points. Troy Jones led the way for William Monroe, as he scored eight of his 16 points in the quarter. While the Dragons found some offensive success, when the final buzzer sounded the Flucos were in front, taking the win to improve to 2-0 on the year.
As for finding more wins, the Flucos not only have to match that defensive intensity, but also find those great shots to take.
“I tell the team that it’s not rocket science if we do what it does to take a great shot, then we’ll score,” Bralley said.
The Flucos face a key road test Friday against Louisa County at 7:30 p.m. while the Dragons will look to rebound Friday at home against Madison County.
