The middle school basketball team finished the season up by winning both of their games in the Second Annual Hargrave Military Academy Middle School tournament in the friendly confines of the Davis gymnasium.
In game one, the young Tigers were able to hold off a scrappy group of Gryphons from the New Covenant School, by a score of 45-30. Pressure defense was the key and difference maker in this game. The Tigers were able to capitalize on several miscues by the Gryphons, which led to transition baskets. Leading the way for Hargrave was T.J. Miller (15 Points, 4 Assist, and 4 Steals), Josen Sheppard (15 Points, 6 Rebounds, and 4 Steals), David Hubbard (4 Points, 6 Rebounds, and 4 Assists), and Luc Garcia (4 Points, 6 Rebounds, and 3 Assists).
In the championship game, the young Tigers faced a tough test against the Patriots of Lynchburg Homeschool. Both teams entered the game undefeated. Once again the high-pressure defense of the Tigers was the difference in the game. Hargrave was able to get some early turnovers and force the Patriots into some tough situations, which led to the young Tigers getting out front early to never look back. The Tigers won the game by a score of 52-17. Leading the way for Hargrave was Josen Sheppard (18 Points, 6 Rebounds and 4 Steals), Luc Garcia (10 Points, 6, Rebounds and 3 Assist), David Hubbard (12 Points, 4 Assist, and 5 Rebounds), and T.J. Miller (10 Points, 4 Steals, and 4 Rebounds)
With the two wins, the Young Tigers finished the season undefeated with a record of 14-0.
All-Tournament Players:
New Covenant School #33 – Dalton Foster
Sacred Heart School #15 – Stephen Scearce
Lynchburg Homeschool #12 – Kysce Saunders
Lynchburg Homeschool #3 – Jesse Sellers
Hargrave Military Academy #21 – Tamasjai Miller
Tournament MVP:
Hargrave Military Academy #23 – Josen Shepard
Special thanks go out to Coach Ben Veshi for directing the tournament today and making it special. I would also like to thank Bill Riddle and Connie Smith for coming out to run the concession stand. Coach Matt Brawn for being there to help out with the tournament and injuries and Jim Tung for coming out to take pictures of the players and all the action.
Last but not least, I would like to say a special thank you to my assistant coach and scorekeeper, Ms. Darlene Paton. Ms. Paton has gone above and beyond the call of duty this year by helping me manage this team.
