Hargrave returned to action on back-to-back nights to take on cross town foe Chatham High School. The Tigers fell behind 14-2 to open the game, but didn’t panic. After closing the gap to 18-10 at the end of the first quarter, Hargrave dominated the second quarter with defense, coming all the way back to tie the game 23-23 at halftime.
In the third quarter, the Tigers were hot for the first time all year, hitting three 3-point attempts and using pressure defense to build a 12 point lead going into the final quarter. The Cavaliers of Chatham mounted a furious comeback in the fourth quarter, limiting the Tigers to two field goals and taking a three point lead with two minutes left in the game. After a basket by Danny Smith, freshman Saquan Darby nabbed a crucial steal with 1:15 left in the game. This steal lead to Darby being foul and hitting a pressure free throw to tie the game. After a Tiger offensive rebound, Darby again found himself at the line with :30 remaining, where he converted the front half of a one-and-one to put the Tigers up by one. On the ensuing possession, the Cavalier missed a shot at the lead and Danny Smith came out with the ball. Forced to foul, Chatham put Smith on the line where he sank a free throw to put Hargrave up by two with :03 remaining. The Cavaliers had one last chance, missing a desperation three point attempt at the buzzer. The win moves Hargrave to 2-1 on the year.
The Tigers were led by Zach Edmunds with 18 points and 9 rebounds; Saquan Darby with 13 points, 7 rebounds, and 4 steals; Danny Smith with 12 points, 6 rebounds, and 5 assists; and James Long with 10 points and 4 assists. The Tigers return to action December 9, 2008 in a home game against conference opponent Virginia Episcopal School. Tip is set for 5:30.
