Despite the loss of sophomore sensation Mitch Yeagy due to a season-ending ACL
injury last week, the Tigers showed that they are a team to be dealt with as
they head into sectionals.
It was only fitting that on Senior Night, it would be the senior captains who
would come up big as Alexandria defeated Wes-Del 68-55.
“I was very pleased with segments of the game,” said Tiger Coach Garth Cone.
“The guys did a nice job of stretching the floor, playing with purpose and
patience, and that type of play allowed Matt (Johnson) to come up big under the
basket. Other times, Zach (Yeagy) could drive to the basket and pretty much do
whatever he wanted. However, just like every game this season, there were times
when our patience was not very good and that led to turnovers. Give Wes-Del
credit, they never gave up and continued to play very hard and with a purpose.
Even when they fell behind by 15 points, which allowed them to trim the lead and
get back into the game.”
Alexandria led 37-29 at the half and then stretched the lead to 15 points
multiple times during the second half. The Warriors continued to fight hard and
cut the lead to six on several occasions, but could never get closer than that
as the Tigers would take the lead back to double figures and the cycle would
start all over.
“We made a couple of defensive adjustments early that allowed us to stay in the
game,” said Warrior Coach Joel Roush. “Unfortunately we allowed Alexandria to
penetrate the lane too much. The Tigers then converted some easy baskets, or
were able to score off the offensive rebound which put us behind the eight-ball.
We took too much time trying to recover, which caused us to try and trap and
that is not what we wanted to do. As quick and skilled as Alexandria is, not
many teams are going to have much luck doing that.”
The Tigers were led in scoring by Zach Yeagy with 22 points, followed by fellow
senior captain Matt Johnson who tossed in another 20 points. Wes-Del was led by
Jordyn Lemons who scored 20 points as well.
The Tigers won the battle of the boards 36-23. Alexandria also shot 27 of 51
from the floor, while Wes-Del converted on 20 of 47.
“I think this was a good way for our seniors to go out,” said Cone. “I am
extremely proud of them all. I think that each one of them went onto the floor,
worked very hard, and they each contributed to the win.”
Prior to the start of the game, Alexandria honored all of their senior
basketball players and cheerleaders. Those recognized include cheerleaders
Lakeley Brown, Sarah DiRuzza, Alexis MacLachlan, Katie Scarborough, Kelsi
Whitehair and Alexis Wilson. Individuals recognized from the basketball team
included manager Megan Rushing, and players Blake Abshire, Derek Glass, Matt
Johnson and Zach Yeagy. The Tigers also took the time to recognize all of the
senior participants from the Wes-Del Warriors.
The Tigers finished their regular season with a 16-5 record and are co-champs of
the CIC. The Tigers will now face Frankton tonight in the opening round of the
Alexandria sectional.
*Taken from The Alexandria Times
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