Tech Takes Ballou Rubbermatch

Ron Bailey, Publisher

McKinley Tech is now only a half game behind Ballou in the DCIAA East standings

February 7, 2009 – Some have presumed the DCIAA’s Eastern Division to be Ballou’s to lose, that the Knights (13-5 overall, 6-1 in league action) have a lock on playing for the league’s title game. McKinley Tech (9-5/5-1) refuted that notion last night, with their 65-61 road victory over the Southeast DC school. .

Leading all scorers was Donte Thomas (30), who was a yeomen, not only scoring – he would score 10 of his team’s 12 first quarter points – but finding teammates as well. Though afterward Thomas indicated he wasn’t tired, he had a right to be.

Myers (1) and Harper (44) form a deadly backcourt duo for Tech.

“We had three or four defenders ready to play him” said Tech coach Eric Brockenberry of his team’s focus on Thomas. It appeared to have worked, as the junior guard seemed not to have as much lift on his jumper to close the game.

Another defensive scheme seemed to seal Tech’s victory: After seeing Ballou reduce a 10 point fourth quarter deficit to four behind Thomas and senior swingman Christopher Mozee (15 points), Brockenberry switched to a 1-3-1 defense. “I didn’t show them that in the first half of the season” he shared, though Tech deployed it previously in this game.

Ballou got within one, 57-58 via Thomas’ steal and Mozee’s subsequent lay up, after which Tech rattled off six straight, effectively sealing the win. During that stretch, senior guard Hiiarmeh Harper (10 points) dropped a three ball, while junior swingman Antonio Jenifer (20 points) sank several key free throws.

Senior point guard Anthony Myers scored 13 points, and with under a minute left, made sure the ball was in his hands, avoiding defenders intent on fouling. Of the maneuver, which illustrated both knowledge of the game, time and score, Myers simply responded “Yes” when asked if that is what solid, veteran point guards do.

Tied in the DCIAA East lost column and separated by a single win, Ballou is now only a half game ahead of Tech. The two likely will settle this in the league’s playoffs.

Notes:

--Several members of both teams play for God’s Glory, a travel team managed by Mike Harmon. Of competing against guys like Jenifer, which he has played with since his youth, Thomas noted “It’s fun to play against them” but also indicated with the loss “They are going to do a lot of talking”.

--Tech’s Harper, standing around 5’9” thrilled onlookers with not only his shot, but steady ball handling. Presently under-recruited, Harper, who acknowledged he must focus upon “taking my time” and improve his integration with Myers, would be a good guard for a smaller school. Howard and American have shown interest, with other lower Division I schools sure to follow, as well as Division II and III institutions.

---Myers, previously featured on i95Ballerz.com is still getting looks from the likes of Fordham, American, UMass and NC State. An assistant from Fordham was in the stands last night.