Henrico Moves To Semifinals

by Stephen M. Lewis
DigitalSports Richmond

The string of close games ended with the nightcap, as Henrico defeated Clover Hill 71-53 Wednesday night in the quarterfinals of the Henrico Holiday Hoops Tournament, sponsored by DigitalSports.

The Cavaliers (0-6) stayed close early as they got out on the fast break and earned easy baskets. The Warriors were busy doing the same thing as the game was knotted at 15 going into the second quarter.

Then Henrico’s strength inside took over. The Warriors outscored Clover Hill 43-20 over the next two quarters.

Jarrett Wansley (14 points), David Zavelsky (15), Jamar Cooper (eight) and Torin Holmes (six) started to flex their muscles inside, earning numerous second-chance points and limiting Clover Hill to one shot a trip, usually from long range.

“They started dominating the offensive glass,” Clover Hill coach Casey Cason said. “Second shots killed us. They’re size just wore us down. They just beat us up inside.”

The lead grew as big as 26 points on Zavelsky’s bucket that made it 58-32 before A.J. Clanton nailed a near halfcourt shot for the Cavaliers, who were led by Jordan Gross‘ nine points, all in the first half.

But Henrico coach Vance Harmon wasn’t thoroughly pleased though his Warriors tallied 71 points.

“We didn’t execute the way we wanted to offensively,” Harmon said. “You can’t throw the no-hitter defensively and win games [without good offense]. You’ve got to give the other end support.”

Up next for the Warriors in the semifinals is Mills Godwin, a 63-60 overtime winner over previously unbeaten Matoaca.

“It’s going to be tough,” Henrico coach Vance Harmon said. “They beat Hermitage. They gave John Marshall a tough time. We’ll see what happens.”

Clover Hill 15 8 12 18 – 53
Henrico 15 21 22 13 – 71
Clover Hill (0-6): Bailey 7, Clanton 4, Hayes 0, Cavanagh 5, Williams 0, D. Yates 2, B. Yates 6, White 0, T. Hayes 3, Harrison 8, Gross 9, Lewis 0, Tatum 4, Keeder 5. Totals: 20 7-12 53. 3-point goals: Harrison 2, Bailey, Clanton, Cavanagh, Keeder.
Henrico (5-3): Prentiss 0, Davis 6, Robinson 2, Folden 8, Taylor 0, McNeil 12, Wansley 14, Cooper 8, Jones 0, Zavelsky 15, Holmes 6. Totals: 32 6-14 71. 3-point goals: Folden.