T.C. Takes It To West Po

Ron Bailey, Publisher

January 13, 2007 – Last night, there was a Battle of Alexandria, as West Potomac High School (Fairfax County, Alexandria, VA) hosted T.C. Williams (Alexandria City, Alexandria, VA) in high school hoops. The more northern-situated T.C. Williams Titans prevailed 60-34, and in the process justified their current #11 i95Ballerz.com Power Poll ranking.

The lead flip-flopped until the second quarter’s 3:37 mark, when T.C. Williams earned a 16-15 advantage. The Titans finished the half on a 6-0 run.

Throughout the first two quarters, both teams switched defenses, alternating between man-to-man and various zone alignments. To start the second half, T.C. Williams’ coach, Ivan Thomas returned his team to their base formation.

“Our man-to-man is the defensive focal point of our system” he said. “In the second half, we just wanted to speed up the pace”. .

T.C. Williams was paced by Ryan Burts (left), Mike Davis (center), and Glenn Andrews (right).

The effects were dramatic, as T.C. Williams outscored the West Potomac Wolverines, 24-6 in the third quarter, effectively sealing the contest. Feeding this onslaught was not only the pressure man defense played – including trapping when the opportunity presented itself - but the resultant fast break attack it made possible.

Fatigue caused by playing pressure defense all over the court is not an issue Thomas faces. “We go 12 guys, every night”, said the head Titan.

The T.C. Williams faithful received a scare with about a minute expended in the first quarter, when forward Mike Davis (16 points) - one of the best players in Northern Virginia - crashed to the floor after receiving contact. “It shook me up” said Davis of the play. “I had to get it going afterward”.

Swingman Glenn Andrews (12 points) followed Davis in leading the Titans offensively, while guards Walter Smith (4 points) and Ryan Burts (3 points) both provided key contributions, finding open players for easy baskets and supplying good on ball defense.

West Po's squad is seen here stretching before the game.

West Potomac received strong performances from Latress Hawthorne (6 points), and Zaid Brooks-Saahir (5 points).

T.C. Williams is now 10-3 for the season, while West Potomac is 7-6.