Boys Basketball: Loudoun County's Senior Make a Statement on Their Night

By Owen Gotimer
Heritage High School student journalist

Leesburg (Feb. 11, 2012) - Fighting to a Dulles District boys basketball tournament first round game and
celebrating their three graduating seniors, Loudoun County High School (9-7, 13-9) made a statement Friday night at home against Woodgrove (8-8, 11-11). Seniors Zack Ballinger, Neil Turnage and Stephen Veschi commemorated their four years of high school basketball with a win as the Raiders defeated the Wolverines
54-44.

“It's a great start for us and the win should really jump start us into the tournament,” said Turnage. “We know that we've prepared for this all season and we're looking to make a strong run in the tournament.”


In a turnover prone first quarter, defense was the name of the game as neither team scored during the first three minutes of action. The scoring drought was ended as Turnage dropped a three pointer right in front of the Raider Riot, but the quarter remained low scoring. Loudoun County led Woodgrove after the first quarter 12-8.

Woodgrove’s Brad Gilson made his first appearance of the game to start the second quarter and quickly hit a floater from the elbow to draw his team within two. On the Wolverine’s next possession Gilson assisted teammate Brett Danielson for another Woodgrove basket. Still, Raiders Veschi and Mike Anderson continued to score points to maintain a four point edge going into halftime.

“The priority is to stop Gilson and [Brendan] Wells,” said Veschi. “We need to make sure we keep Gilson and the rest of Woodgrove off the glass.”

The second half was all Loudoun County including a Veschi three pointer to end the third quarter to put life into the Raider’s fans. Anderson continued to knock down his free throws in the half, leading
his team with 29 points. Veschi hit four three pointers to add 12 points.

“Strong defense along with some timely shots from Veschi, Turnage, and Anderson really sealed the game,” said Ballinger.

Rebounding played a key role for Loudoun County as both Ballinger and Turnage racked up boards all night.

“Rebounding is all about position and physicality for me,” said Ballinger. “Tonight I focused on maintaining good position on the bigger rebounders.”

Additionally, Turnage had the role of denying Gilson the basketball for most of the night and did so with great success holding him to a season low 7 points.

“It was a team effort in containing Gilson,” said Turnage. “He's a talented player with the potential to open up a lead at any point so slowing him down was critical in our win.”

Loudoun County will host Woodgrove on Monday night in round one of the Dulles District tournament at 7pm.

“The combination of Senior Night, a big crowd, a chance at a home playoff game, and facing a very good Woodgrove team, made it that much sweeter,” said Veschi.