Highlands junior varsity boys basketball team may have felt the energy in the air at home on Friday for Senior Night because they came out strong and maintained and significant lead throughout the game against Blue Ridge with a final score of 41-25.
Highlands Head Coach Bryan Dearth said given their record of 12-4, the win over Blue Ridge guaranteed 1st place in the regular season.
“We played a good game, Blue Ridge tried to hold the ball and slow the game down, but we were disciplined and played good defense and converted on offense, we also hit a couple outside shots that helped put us over the top,” said Dearth.
Blue Ridge Head Coach Nick Pressler said Highlands had a big inside game that was difficult to shut down.
“We started off well and gave good effort,” said Pressler. “Our defense was not where it needed to be and the offense struggled. Foul trouble also was an issue.”
He added that Blue Ridge also needed to work harder off the ball.
The two rival schools have a mutual respect, but things tend to get more intense anytime these two teams hit the court.
Dearth said he looks forward to the next time Highlands plays Blue Ridge on Feb. 15 at Blue Ridge for their Senior Night.
“We always enjoy playing Blue Ridge, it’s always a good game and the gym is always full,” said Dearth. “We look forward to playing them again in two weeks.”
Highlands next plays Cherokee away on Feb. 11. Blue Ridge next plays Feb. 5 at home against Cherokee.
Blue Ridge Collin Bryson goes down diving for a loose ball against Highlands on Friday. Highlands won 41-25.
Highlands Collin Stoltzfus takes the jumper with Blue Ridge Collin Bryson in his face.
Blue Ridge Steve Madden puts two on the board with a jump shot from the field on Friday.
Highlands Jeffrey Olvera gets airborne before launching the cross-court pass against Blue Ridge.
Blue Ridge Korbin Walters sinks the 3-point shot from the corner against Highlands on Friday.
Highlands Ethan Tate snags the rebound and looks for someone to dish the ball off to against Blue Ridge on Friday.
Pictured below Highlands Davis Ingate shoots the long three and drains it, crowd goes wild.
Editor’s Note: From left are Highlands Griffin Green, Collin Stoltzfus, and Logan Petrone all moving to help their fallen teammate Reid Carrier stand up. What’s difficult to see is who belongs to the armpit in front of Green (#24). That armpit belongs to Blue Ridge Korbin Walters and he is also reaching to help Carrier up. Walters may have knocked Carrier down, I don’t remember, but it’s basketball and people are going to fall down. When players fell throughout the game, they helped them up, it’s that simple. Those are class acts, well played gentlemen.
Article and photos by Brian O’Shea
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