By Franci Burton and Bret Walts
The final score, 67-56, sealed the deal on the Bulldog’s victory at home last night, leaving them with a record of 6-2 and 4-0 in conference games. The loss leaves Jeffersonville with a 6-4 record. The leading scorer for the Bulldogs was senior Dre McBirth with 19 points, followed by Dustin Cochran with 15; both starters were expected to play well according to Coach Jim Shannon. However, according to Coach Shannon, two big impact players in last night’s game victory that rose to the occasion were DeAnthony Warren and Javen Reeves. Warren notched two steals, four rebounds, and eight points and Reeves tallied 12 points along with four rebounds. Coach Shannon says both were helpful defensive and offensive players last night.
“Javen Reeves played outstanding tonight, he got us double figures and was great defensively,” said Shannon in a post game interview with The Blotter. “DeAnthony Warren came off the bench and played outstandingly.”
Shannon was also pleased with the comeback the team had defensively, saying that they let the Red Devils score too many layups in the first half. Coming into the second, Coach Shannon believed that the Bulldogs were stronger defensively and didn’t let up.
Along with scoring, possessions also had a big role in the Bulldogs victory. By maintaining possession of the ball NAHS was able to make baskets and keep Jeff off the board. One of the main keys to success for the Bulldogs was their final 15 points of the game – all fifteen points were free throws. After struggling much of the season with free throws, New Albany had a stellar night at the line going 22-27.
“When it came down to crunch time I think we controlled the tempo,” said Shannon. “We were able to play hard and get to the free throw line and that was very helpful to our victory.”
The Bulldogs will be back at it again next Friday night at Madison.
More Statistics
– The Bulldogs first five baskets were 3-pointers. They made seven total on the night
– Eight players scored for the Bulldogs
– The Red Devil’s leading scorer was #10 Drew Ellis with 18 points.
Box Score (New Albany):
Number |
Player |
Points |
Threes |
Free Throws |
13 |
McBirth |
19 |
3 |
(6-8) |
3 |
Cochran |
15 |
3 |
(2-2) |
11 |
Reeves |
12 |
0 |
(4-5) |
30 |
Warren |
8 |
0 |
(2-4) |
4 |
Byrne |
7 |
1 |
(4-4) |
22 |
Hibbard |
2 |
0 |
(2-2) |
5 |
Winburn |
2 |
0 |
(0-0) |
44 |
White |
2 |
0 |
(2-2) |