Tigers Defeat Rival en Route to Tournament Title

Benjamin J Veshi

The Hargrave Tigers emerged victorious in the Fork Union Military Academy Invitational after a pair of impressive wins including one over rival, Fork Union, in the title tilt.

As a staple in the Tigers’ schedule on an annual basis, the Fork Union Military Academy Invitational is always a great barometer near the midway point of the season. Typically, both Hargrave and Fork Union boast strong programs and the event shapes up for both programs to eventually face off against one another in the championship game, and this year’s edition was no different.

However, the Tigers had to get through International Sports Academy (OH) on Friday night. Hargrave was paced by seven players in double figures as they coasted to the 124-87 victory. K.D. Johnson led the Tigers with 20 points, 7 assists, and 4 steals. Other notable performances from Friday night’s win included:

A.J. James–15 points, 6 assists, 4 rebounds
Nate Dunlop–15 points, 2 rebounds, 1 steal
Gabe Wiznitzer–14 points, 5 rebounds, 3 assists
Bryson Childress–13 points, 3 rebounds, 1 assist
Mark Sears–10 points, 8 rebounds, 6 assists
Abba Lawal–10 points, 9 rebounds

Saturday’s Championship game provided all the excitement that one of the state’s greatest rivalry game should provide. Fork Union’s home court is always a tough place to play and Saturday was no different as the Tigers trailed by 7 at halftime, their first halftime deficit all season. Hargrave’s defensive pressure found a different gear in the second half and the Tigers went on a sustained run that saw their lead grow to as many as 17 points. Hargrave held on for the 88-78 victory, claiming the title for the third straight year. Similar to Friday, K.D. Johnson paced the Tigers with 20 points, 4 assists, and 2 rebounds, in addition to four other double digit scorers. Saturday’s notable performances included:

Corey Walker–18 points, 7 rebounds, 6 assists, 4 blocks
A.J. James–16 points, 6 rebounds
Bryson Childress–13 points, 2 rebounds
Gabe Wiznitzer–10 points, 13 rebounds

Hargrave is back in action on Thursday, December 19th, as they take on Washington Academy in the 3rd Annual Shooting for Success Classic. Tip-off is scheduled for 10:00 AM from Walter Davis Gymnasium.

KD