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"I am real proud of my kids the way they came back," said Costello.
With the "Character Check" passed, now comes the "gut check" for Broad Run as the unbeaten Spartans (2-0 in district, 5-0 overall) host long-time hoops rival, unbeaten Potomac Falls (2-0, 6-0) Monday night in a December showdown between the top two area teams from a year ago. The Panthers handed the Spartans three of their four losses last season and knocked Broad Run out of the playoffs, in the Region II semifinals, on the way to winning Loudoun's first ever VHSL boys basketball state title.
"Can't wait! We are so excited to play them. We've been waiting for them since last year," "We are the best team nobody knows about," said Costello.
6-foot-3 Taylor Johnson keyed the second quarter comeback as he scored 11 of his 23 points after being shut out in the first quarter as Briar Woods' triangle-and-2 defense on Johnson and Nigel Johnson gave the Spartans fits and led to a Falcons 25-15 lead after the first.
"While it is disappointing only scoring 15 points in the first quarter, it was more upsetting them having 25," said Costello.
For Falcon coach Mike Benson, the fast start for his squad was all about a balanced attack -- six Briar Woods players scored in the first quarter -- and commitment to the game plan. In the remaining three quarters, Briar Woods lost focus a little and junior sparkplug Myles Tate, with a game-high 28 points, accounted for 24 of the team's 44 points after the first.
"We let them back in the game, we lost our patience," said Benson. "We play a little bit out of control sometimes and when you do that you can't beat teams like Broad Run."
Briar Woods still led, 43-36, at the half but Broad Run came out energized and was able to pound the ball down low, utilizing their size advantage.
"We told them, 'win this quarter and we will win the game'," said Costello.
The Spartans not only won the quarter but took the lead at the buzzer in dramatic fashion as Taylor Johnson fielded a length of the court pass with just two seconds left, made the basket and was fouled with no time showing on the clock. He sank the free throw, part of his perfect 9 for 9 night from the line, to put the Spartans up 56-54 heading into the final quarter.
"That long pass was a dagger in their heart," said Costello.
With Broad Run remaining in control and making almost all of their free throws -- 25 of 30 including eight straight in the final minute to stay ahead -- the Falcons were unable to mount a comeback despite the urging of a spirited home crowd as the stands were filled with a large-sized crowd for an early season contest.
For the Spartans, the final three quarters showcased what their style will be this season, a ball-hawking, trapping team that wants to run the floor at every opportunity.
"We play small ball -- score fast and then it's 94 feet of defense," said Costello.
Senior Eric Hiatt, who kept Broad Run in the contest early with eight points in the first quarter, finished with 10 as did junior Ryan McNamee, who was a factor in the paint.
Senior Andre Evans scored eight points for Briar Woods in the first quarter and finished with 13.
Broad Run 78, Briar Woods 69
Broad Run 15 21 20 22 - 78
Briar Woods 25 18 11 15 - 69
Broad Run (2-0, 5-0)
TJohnson 7 9-9 23, NJohnson 6 10-11 23, Rawson 2 0-0 4, Hiatt 3 2-4 10, McNamee 3 4-4 10, Ellington 3 0-0 6, DeWitt 1 0-1 2. Totals 25 25-30 78
Briar Woods (3-1, 3-4)
Evans 5 1-2 13, Faciane 3 2-2 9, Tate 8 10-12 28, Kouame 2 2-5 6, Calder 3 1-1 8, Rolin 2 1-4 5. Totals 23 17-26 69
3-Pointers: Broad Run 3 (Hiatt 2, NJohnson 1), Briar Woods 6 (Evans 2, Tate 2, Faciane 1, Calder 1).
Good article, but Myles is a Junior not a Senior
ReplyDeleteThanks! I don't want to graduate Myles in earlier than we have to! Just fixed ... dan
ReplyDelete