Montrose Stakes Claim to #1 Ranking with Bowie’s Stick Back
Ron Bailey, Publisher
March 5, 2006 – Saturday evening, Coolidge High School’s gym was the site of what had to be the game of the year in the Washington, DC area, and quite possibly, as Montrose Christian’s coach, Stu Vetter said afterward “one of the great basketball games in the history of this area”. Additionally, the win may very well lead to a number one ranking nationally.
Oak Hill, widely regarded the number one ranked team coming into the game at 40-0, took on the previously number one ranked team, Montrose Christian (now 20-2), in a battle of high school basketball programs with consistent national regard. Montrose’s Mustangs would prevail 74-72 over the top ranked Oak Hill Warriors, via a last second put back by junior Adrian Bowie (20 points). As soon as the clock expired, the Coolidge’s hardwood would be filled with revelers, all enjoying the win.
Bowie was the game’s difference maker, as he repeatedly attacked the rim in the second half, and as such was crucial in the Mustang’s effort to erase an 11-point deficit going into the fourth quarter. His back to back drives, the first of which occurred at the 5:16 mark, epitomized his contribution, which amounted to 10 points in the final stanza.
Regarding his forays to the basket, Adrian indicated that “I was determined to attack the basket”. The benefits of doing that are more than just scoring, as he feels his entire game is energized by doing so.
Adrian was aided in Montrose’s comeback by the game’s high point man, senior Kevin Durant (31 points) – who played last season at Oak Hill and has signed with Texas – and fellow senior, Maryland-bound Grevis Vasquez (17 points). Durant got to the rim, as well as hit outside shots, while Vasquez primarily relied on his perimeter touch, sinking wide open jumpers.
Vasquez, a native of Caracas, Venezuela indicated afterward that he had additional motivation to beat Oak Hill. He and Oak Hill's Tywon Lawson seemed to challenge each other, within the framework of the larger game. According to him, “I was up last night, and I was reading the internet, and people were saying I can’t play against him (Lawson), he is better than me”. Vasquez would acknowledge “He’s a real good player”, but due to feeling “confident” the young Venezuelan felt “I can play against him”. Given the fact they will perform in the ACC next year, both will have ample opportunity to play one another, in the future.
During the first half, Oak Hill seemingly controlled the game, with the play of their point guard, UNC committed senior, Lawson (26 points) standing out. Tywon showed why many believe him to be the highest regarded point guard in the nation, as he constantly got to the rim and either finished himself or passed to open teammates who then converted. His and-one opportunity created by a nifty change of pace move late in the half is a choice example of this.
The Warriors’ coach, Steve Smith, acknowledged Lawson’s first half effectiveness, saying “They really had no answer for him”. Oak Hill was also able to take advantage of Durant’s acquisition of his third foul – and subsequent relegation to the bench - with much of the second quarter still to play.
Juniors Nolan Smith (12 points) and Mike Beasley (16 points) each aided Oak Hill’s early control of the game. Smith hit from outside and drove, while Beasley converted in the paint post up moves.
The second half started as a continuation of the first in that despite Montrose’s offensive effectiveness, the Mustang’s couldn’t significantly reduce Oak Hill’s lead, due in large part to the exploits of Lawson, Beasley, and Smith. They dunked, defended, and sank shots both close and from deep, despite a gym floor that at times seemed to be as slippery as an ice rink.
Montrose did receive a benefit in the third quarter that impacted their future fortune, as at the 2:58 mark, Beasley received his fourth foul. His coach, Smith, felt the result of that last foul created some hesitancy by his star big man. “He wanted to stay on the floor and not foul out, but I told him we have some guys over here (on the bench) don’t worry about it, you’ve got to contest shots when they drive to the basket”, relayed Smith.
Vetter indicated that his team “had a game plan, and pretty much stuck with it. We wanted to control the tempo of the game”. Between the third and fourth quarters he instilled a winning mindset in his team. “I said hey, we’re down 11, lets let it all hang out” said Vetter. “Let’s press, let’s attack the basket. Let’s do the things that got us to where we are”.
Bowie in Intros
Vasquez at the Line
Oak Hill's Steve Smith