If you’re heading to Stanardsville Wednesday night for the clash between William Monroe and Madison County’s boys basketball squads, you’d be well-advised to get there early to make sure you get a seat.
And if the squads’ first meeting was any indication, you’ll get every cent of your money’s worth.
Wednesday night the Mountaineers and Dragons will go toe-to-toe as contenders in a highly-competitive Bull Run District. In the squad’s first meeting, Madison established a 19-point lead only to see Monroe storm back in the second half and pull out a 72-68 win in overtime. Markel Williams led the assault with a 33-point effort for Monroe.
Williams piled up those points by attacking the basket relentlessly and drawing fouls. He shot 21 free throws on the night and made 16 of them. That success may lead the Dragons to get Williams in the lane more regularly early on against the Mountaineers.
William Monroe crushed Manassas Park late last week but lost to Strasburg in the preceding game. They’ll have a tough task against Clarke County Tuesday before the Wednesday clash with Madison while Madison took on Central Woodstock Monday night. This team has battled injuries all season long, but it looks as though it’s on the mend with Jordan Gentry returning at the end of last week, and forward Jo-Jo Krynitiski nearing a clean bill of health.
On the other side, look for the Mountaineers to feed Matt Temple the ball and pair his inside scoring with Travis Warren’s efforts on the outside and slashing in. That combination worked well in the first matchup between the two as the Mountaineers built what appeared to be an insurmountable lead. A strong night from Bobby Ford from beyond the perimeter would go a long way for Madison too.
James River plot thickens
Over the past few years, Buckingham County has had a tough road getting out of the James River District, but this year the JRD’s parity is at an all-time high. The district expanded with Goochland’s move back to Group A and a few other additions, and the James River is now an all-out dog fight.
Buckingham is still in solid shape though with just a pair of losses and a 10-2 mark overall. One of the two teams the Knights lost to, Amelia, is currently unbeaten in the district and is in good shape to claim the district crown. But several other teams sit just below or above .500 (Goochland among them) including one of the Knights’ opponents this week, Randolph Henry.
The schedule won’t get any easier either for Buckingham. After a late start to the season because of the football program’s playoff run, the Knights are going to be stuck with three games per week to close out the year.
If the Knights are going to challenge Amelia, the quartet of Cam Johnson, Tarian Ayres, L.A. Briley and Timmy Randolph are going to have to play big-time down the stretch.
Over in the Dogwood District, Nelson dropped two straight in Dogwood District play, but at 2-2 if the Governors can find a spark in the second half of games they’ll be a contender for a Region B playoff spot. The Governors get another shot at Dan River Friday. Dan River is currently unbeaten in the Dogwood.
Boys Top 5
1. Blue Ridge (10-4)
Blue Ridge stays up top by holding serve against Miller early in the week and then demolishing Liberty Christian late in the week. The Barons hit the road Tuesday to lock up with a Virginia Episcopal squad bent on avenging a loss to Blue Ridge back in December.
2. Miller (12-5)
Miller holds onto the No. 2 spot with a strong finish to the week that started with a narrow loss to the archrival Barons. Mavericks held on to beat Middleburg to avenge an early season loss and then knocked out defending Group AA, Division 3 state champion Brunswick.
3. Fluvanna County (14-1)
Slow week last week allowed the Flucos to rest up for a whirlwind trio of games this week. If Fluvanna can emerge unscathed from this week’s battles with Goochland, Monticello and Charlottesville, they’ll be primed for a strong stretch run.
4. Western Albemarle (11-6)
The Warriors are now on a four-game winning streak and have a tight hold on second place in the Jefferson District after going 4-1 in the first half of JD play. Now can the young Warriors hold on to that spot in the second half of the slate?
4. Monticello (8-7)
Don’t look now, but with a victory over Charlottesville, the Mustangs are back in the Jefferson District race with a 3-2 record after the first half of the district battles. If Monticello can keep the momentum going this week they could be a factor in the closing weeks.
On the cusp: Covenant, Charlottesville, William Monroe, Buckingham County, Madison County
Girls Top 5
1. Miller (14-3)
The Mavericks took care of business in a light work week by beating Carlisle 68-33 behind 22 points from Ashleigh Claybrooks. A showdown Monday night with Oak Hill should give this team a good idea of where they need to be come a month from now when the playoffs tip off.
2. William Monroe (11-6)
The Dragons are rolling along again and now sport a pretty hefty 8-1 record in the Bull Run District after handling both Strasburg and Manassas Park. Monroe gets to set up its senior night on Thursday with Clarke County with a big rivalry road game with Madison County on Tuesday.
3. St. Anne’s-Belfield (8-5)
The Saints split their tough slate last week by beating up on Hampton Roads Academy and then just narrowly fell to St. Catherine’s on the road. STAB’s on the road for its next three games with a big meeting between a 9-4 Trinity Episcopal squad on Tuesday followed by a 10-3 Cape Henry Collegiate team on Friday. A sweep or split there should have the Saints feeling pretty good.
4. Monticello (7-7)
Hanging on to beat Charlottesville on its home court is a major confidence booster for a young but promising Monticello team. While it seems all but a given now that Powhatan will take one of the Region II bids, the second bid which will come out of the JD tournament, now seems like a two-horse race between this Mustang team and the Black Knights, though Western and Louisa could have something to say about that in the second half of JD play.
5. Charlottesville (8-6)
A tough week for Charlottesville as they drop a pair of home games to first place Powhatan, and then follow up by coming up just short against Monticello. Wins over Fluvanna County on Tuesday and Western Albemarle on Thursday would right the ship pretty quickly.
On the cusp: Goochland, Covenant, Western Albemarle
