Woodberry Forest stood between St. Anne’s Belfield and a share of the Prep League regular season championship Wednesday night. The road test against a quick and capable Woodberry team proved manageable as the Saints defeated the Tigers 61-46.
The game started off well for the Tigers as Woodberry came out of the physical first quarter with a 17-11 lead over St. Anne’s Belfield.
“They were tough early as far as their defense and they were speeding us up,” STAB coach Brian Kent said. “Credit to their defense, they made us pick our speed up too much. We were trying to catch the ball and go before catching the ball.”
As the second quarter rolled in, Matt Palumbo heated up, knocking down two pivotal threes to swing momentum and cut the Tigers’ lead. On the other side of the ball, the Saints locked down on defense, holding Woodberry to just eight points in the second quarter. By the end of the second quarter momentum had completely shifted and the Saints led 33-25.
In the third quarter the Saints extended their lead with dominance on offense. Javin Montgomery-Delaurier’s was strong in the paint, putting up nine points in the third quarter as STAB rolled through the third quarter up 48-36.
“We settled things down to make the easier plays. We got some stops [on defense] and took care of the basketball,” Kent said.
The action subsided as the fourth quarter came in. STAB maintained possession and stalled at the top of the key. Time quickly drained off of the clock and STAB claimed a share of the Virginia Prep League’s regular season title with a 61-46 win.
Montgomery-Delaurier finished with 18 points on the night behind Jalen Harrison’st team-high 20. Woodberry’s Max Johns led the Tigers with 11 points followed by Yarborough with 10.
To claim the outright regular season title, the Saints must defeat a tough Trinity Episcopal (18-7) at home Friday night.
“That is a tough environment and a tough team, they shoot really well at home. We have to play every possession,” Kent said. “This time of year we are almost into March so every possession matters.”
Meanwhile Woodberry take on Steward (21-4) in a non-conference matchup before the Virginia Prep league tournament.
