Flint Hill Advances to Round of Eight

Ron Bailey, Publisher

February 27, 2008 – Yesterday evening at its state of the art sports facility, the Flint Hill School’s boys basketball team defeated Fork Union 57-49 in Virginia Independent Schools Athletic Association action. The win has earned Flint Hill’s program, led by its coach Rico Reed, a birth in the VISAA’s Division 1 Elite Eight.

To his chagrin, the team almost didn’t get there, allowing Fork Union to whittle a 16 point halftime deficit to four in the third quarte - the Huskies were only able to extend their lead beyond that late in the game.

“It’s all about maturity and fundamentals” said Reed of his team’s second half swoon. “I take full responsibility. I have to mold the kids (only three seniors exist on the squad)”.

Rico Reed counseled his team to play more fundementally and with greater focus, particularly in terms of rebounding and running his offense, as Fork Union was athletic and aggressive.

Juniors Doug Howard and Jeremy Glover led the Huskies with 22 points, seven steals and 15 points, eight rebounds, eight steals, respectively: Howard repeatedly hit mid range shots in halfcourt and fast break situations, while Glover played solidly throughout. Both were a constant thorn in their opponent’s side defensively, dominating perimeter play.

Fork Union was paced by athletic juniors Kevin Dominique (18 points, eight rebounds) and Akeem Thomas (16 points, 12 boards). The pair led their team’s comeback, which was at times betrayed by inconsistent guard play, in part due to Flint Hill’s defense.

Up next for Flint Hill is area power Bishop O’Connell. Having seen a string of three consecutive VISAA titles broken last year and recently losing in the Washington Catholic Athletic Association’s championship game, the Knights have expressed their desire to win this post-season crown.

How does Reed plan on winning a game many would assume a David-Goliath match up?

“First and foremost, we have to believe we can win” shared Reed of the mindset necessary for victory. “There are only eight teams left in the state, and we are one of them. We belong here”.

Doug Howard will have much on his plate Thursday.

Further girding Flint Hill is a victory over WCAC Tournament quarterfinalist, Paul VI, and the Huskies’ standing as Mid-Atlantic Athletic Conference champions. Going further, Reed shared his squad needed to “play fundamentally sound, rebound, and get into our sets”.

Adding addition drama is Howard’s 2007 transfer to to Flint Hill from O’Connell. As such he will surely be a focal point of derision from that school’s raucous cheering squad.

“It’s natural” for Doug to want to prove himself against his former school allowed Reed, who immediately added “He has to depend on his Band of Brothers here. We’ve come a long way together. He has to trust his teammates and the staff”.

That Band of Brothers (or Huskies) walks into O’Connell for battle Friday evening.