Heritage's Fourth Quarter Surge Swamps Western, 62-57
February 13, 2010
By: John Keuvelaar
After a strong start to begin their season, the young Warriors have been unable to land a win over the last eight games. Playing well and leading by nine going into the fourth quarter, the Warriors fortunes looked to make a turn for the better. But Heritage exploded for 22 points to overtake the Western for a 62-57 win.
Both teams came out strong in a very entertaining first quarter. AJ Thomas helped give Heritage the edge in the quarter when he knocked down two three's to go along with teammate James Johnson's opening six points for a team total 17 points. Western was up to the task with five players finding the bottom of the net to pull within 3, 17-14 heading into the second quarter.
The second quarter turned into a defensive battle. Western was able to hold Heritage to nine points with Thomas carrying the Saginaw load. But Heritage had stepped up their defense too holding Western to 11 giving them a 26-25 halftime lead.
Caleb Boileau charges full tilt to the basket with Lavario Smith at his heels.
(MyBayCity Photo by John Keuvelaar)
Aaron Tithof weaves past fellow teammate Jason Pressler who is setting the pick.
(MyBayCity Photo by John Keuvelaar)
Tyler Ellis flies like an eagle to the basket.
(MyBayCity Photo by John Keuvelaar)
Ryan Haag's shot rejected by Travon Cotton
(MyBayCity Photo by John Keuvelaar)
Scott Davis fights to block Matt Costello's jump shot.
(MyBayCity Photo by John Keuvelaar)
Western took over in the third quarter. Led by Tyler Ellis, the Warrior ignited to pour in 24 points for the quarter. Tyler Ellis got hot nailing two three's to go along with three other baskets for 12 quarter points. Heritage hung close thanks to AJ Thomas' 5 for 6 free throw shooting as the Warriors built a 49-40 lead heading into the fourth quarter.
The fourth quarter was all Heritage. Stepping up their defense, they shut out Ellis for the final quarter holding Western to only eight points. Western likewise responded by holding AJ Thomas to two fourth quarter points. Then Chris Jones stepped up big for Heritage. Knocking down two three's, he went 6 for 6 from the line down the stretch for clutch shooting to help Heritage score 22 points in the final period. This helped the Hawks overcome the 9 point deficit and pull off a 62-57 win.
AJ Thomas led all scorers with 22 points with Chris Jones' 12 fourth quarter points for Heritage.
Western was led by Tyler Ellis who stroked in 17 points to go along with Matt Costello's 13.
Scott Davis makes his move..
(MyBayCity Photo by John Keuvelaar)
Tyler Ellis lifts the ball to the basket
(MyBayCity Photo by John Keuvelaar)
Dominique McBride's shot is denied by Western defenseman Brandon Havercamp.
(MyBayCity Photo by John Keuvelaar)
Aaron Tithof talks to referee about a recent foul.
(MyBayCity Photo by John Keuvelaar)
