Dodson Leads E.R. In Cross-State Thriller
Ron Bailey, Publisher
Page 2
After two baskets by Hawkins, one of which was accompanied by a foul shot, Dodson followed with a nice driving layup, creating a 41-32 score. By the fourth quarter’s 6:22 mark, the Raiders had narrowed their deficit to 59-56 via a Dodson leaning and-one shot.
Darnell didn’t stop there, later stealing the ball and shooting a layup, and soon thereafter, with 3:39 to go, tying the ball game via two foul shots.
Sean Hawkins was a second half force. Glen Farello, a Roosevelt coach, is seen kneeling (left).
Throughout this period, Dodson would also be his team’s primary ball handler in half court situations, many times being defended by Long, and vice versa. It was clear each team would win or lose on the shoulders of its leader, as both team’s seemed to employ variations of 1-4 offensive sets, designed to keep the ball in their hands.
The squads traded baskets, and at the 15 second mark, a score of 68 points apiece stood. What followed was true athletic drama: Long, an excellent defender, stole the ball from Dodson before racing down for a crowd igniting dunk. With less than 10 seconds on the clock, Roosevelt pushed the ball back up the floor, but was uable to feed Dodson the ball. Chase Smith (2 points) then stepped up and hit the biggest bucket of the game – a buzzer beating 17 footer from the right side.
After the shocking conclusion of regulation, Freedom-Woodridge jumped to a 73-70 overtime lead, only to lose it through an offensive rebound and put back followed by an and-one drive by Hawkins. Dodson again strapped up and created two steals on overtime, one of which ended up with junior Brendan Straughn (7 points and several steals) scoring on a stick back.
Chase Smith (center), is seen here in the E.R.'s huddle, after his game saving shot.
Though the Eagles battled to within one on a Haley 30 foot three ball scored with 12 seconds on the clock, they couldn’t overcome Dodson, Hawkins, et al.
“I’m proud of our kids” said the Eagles’ coach, Dorsett, before stating “They fought, we fought, both teams played at a high level”. He later lamented the 21 turnovers his team produced, and felt “our intensity level went down a little bit”.
Dorsett should be applauded, as this game is one in a stretch of four in five days for the Eagles– including neighborhood (Woodbridge/Dale City, VA) battles with Woodbridge, Gar-Field, and Potomac along with Roosevelt. It’s his contention, that such a schedule, which also includes match ups with local and national powers such as St. John’s (DC), Roosevelt, and SW Atlanta Christian (GA) will prepare his team for “the districts, regionals, and states” (Virginia’s playoff structure).
Of course the same praise should be supplied Roosevelt. O’Connell acknowledged similar benefits of playing before the game, stating “We know they are a very good team. It always helps to play good teams”.
Roosevelt is also equally challenged during this period, exemplified by Farello calling it “Character Week”, which includes tilts with Prince George’s County foe Crossland (Temple Hills, MD) Tuesday, Freedom-Woodridge, and conference arch rival Oxon Hill (Oxon Hill, MD) on Friday.
“That (win) was great, that was a great team” said Dodson, who later responded “Most definitely, we wanted to show we are the best” when asked if the win held regional bragging rights significance.
While you can’t draw a solid conclusion based on one game, Maryland did get Virginia this time around. But what should be more of a focus is that both team’s coaching staffs took the leap to play one another, during such a crucial time, and their players and fans are better for it.
Other schools/coaches should take note.