Burrell and Potomac Prevail vs. Woodbridge

Ron Bailey, Publisher

Burrell takes control down stretch of a neighborhood battle.

January 6, 2009 - Local high school rivalries hard fought affairs, where players get after it for league standings and personal bragging rights. Last night's 71-58 Potomac (VA) win over Woodbridge (VA) was just such an affair.

Leading all scorers was senior point guard Justin Burrell, Potomac's senior transfer who dropped 34 points, generated in large measure by nailing 21 of 22 free throws. Justin will take his game to Mount St. Mary's next year.

Justin Burrell: A heady point guard, Burrell can get to the rim and when needed shoot the rock - he does what is necessary. For college, Justin should improve his jumper and concentrate on playing better on-ball defense.

Finding his team trailing 41- 40 to start the fourth quarter, Burrell continued his offensively aggressive play, attacking the rim constantly; this occurred on fast breaks, and in 1-4 plus other offensive sets. By the time Woodbridge started trapping him - thereby removing the ball from his hands - with around four mintues to go the damage was done, as Potomac led 52-44.

Senior point guard Darius Smith (18 points) tried to keep his team in contention by shooting, driving and dropping off: His steal and related conversion of two foul shots left Woodbridge down by six, but they would get no closer.

Smith and Burrell are two of the best Virginia-based point guard in public high school basketball. The duo has long competed against one another.

Darius Smith: A blur, Smith (passing) likes to get to the rack where he scores or drops off, and can shoot the long ball. Defensively he'll get after it. Needs to get stronger and trust in his stop and pop jumper.

Senior Deonte Hallums scored 12 points for Woodbridge (6-5), while junior Jordan McCain and senior Andrew Cornwell both chipped on 11 for Potomac (8-1).

For the moment, Woodbridge-Dale City belongs to Potomac High School.