Cubs finish in a final
- Updated: December 30, 2015
Alexandria comes out firing, outscores Indians 19-1 in second quarter to pull away for Glencoe tournament title
By Jason Katz
For East Alabama Sports Today
GLENCOE – Riley Shaw hit back-to-back 3-pointers in the opening seconds of the Glencoe Holiday Shootout championship game Wednesday night and after that there was no looking back for him or his team.
Alexandria put on an offensive show as it beat Ohatchee 50-29 one week after coming up short in a similar fashion against Weaver in the Riley Whitaker Christmas Classic title game in Gadsden.
Cubs coach Jason Johnson saw a fire in his players that was more than welcomed as they stifled the Indians’ offense and star Austin Tucker.
“I saw determination tonight to win a tournament,” Johnson said. “After coming up short against Weaver last week it was nice to finish this game and the tournament. We challenged the seniors to finish tonight and they did that. I am proud of what we accomplished tonight.”
Johnson had every right to be impressed with his team as it pounded Ohatchee and played its most complete first half of the season. The Valley Cubs (8-2) accumulated 34 points while holding Tucker and the Indians to 11. They outscored the Indians 19-1 in the second quarter to eliminate any chance for an Indians comeback.
“I think it was a combination tonight of our bench and wearing them down as the game progressed,” said Johnson. “I think now most of the team has accepted their roles and the team is coming together.”
Caleb Young and Riley Shaw led the team in scoring in the first half as they had a combined 17 points and nine rebounds. Ohatchee had 11 points as a team. Young scored eight points – all in the first half – while Shaw finished with 12 points on four 3-pointers.
“We love when our team is on and we can hit those shots,” said Shaw. “The 3s to start the game were huge momentum for us and what we were trying to accomplish.”
The second half was a little more even as the Indians (8-8) actually outscored Alexandria 18-16. Tucker had 11 points with three rebounds for the Indians, while Sean Barnett and Ben Glass had six points apiece.
“Alexandria is so good and so deep,” Ohatchee coach Bryant Ginn said. “Late in the game they just can wear you down. They can play pressure defense and then rotate five more guys in and do the same thing. They can hurt you, but they are a very good team.”
The Valley Cubs will get a short break before playing three area games next week as they look build on their early season success.
As the players walked out of the locker room, sophomore Dalton Dodd (11 points and five rebounds) looked around and said “We’re pumped. It’s just a testament to this team and what we are capable of.”
The Valley Cubs started with a 3 in the second quarter that really upset the apple cart for the Indians. Platoon switching three times in the first half allowed the Cubs to extend their lead to 23 at the break.
Dalton Dodd started the fourth quarter with a layup off a steal, which allowed the momentum to continue in Alexandria’s favor.
Alexandria 50, Ohatchee 29
ALEXANDRIA (8-2) — Riley Shaw 4 0-0 12, Austin Taylor 0 0-0 0, A.J. Martin 0 0-0 0, Dalton Dodd 4 1-1 10, Gerald Murphy 1 0-0 2, Cole Nail 0 0-0 0, Jamal Tucker 2 0-0 5, Jordan Romine 2 0-1 4, Caleb Young 4 0-1 8, Marcus Swink 1 0-0 2, Luke Tucker 3 0-0 7. Totals 21 1-3 50.
OHATCHEE (8-8) – Ben Glass 2 0-1 6, Kevin Williamson 0 0-2 0, Bryant Dunaway 0 0-0 0, Brennan Wink 0 0-3 0, Austin Tucker 4 3-8 11, Blaine Cole 0 0-0 0, Brian Jennings 2 0-0 4. Tristan Woodall 0 0-0 0, Sean Barnett 1 4-5 6, Micah Lee 1 0-0 2. Totals 10 7-19 29.
Alexandria 15 19 10 6 — 50
Ohatchee 10 1 11 7 — 29
3-point goals: Alexandria 7 (L. Tucker, J. Tucker, Dodd, Shaw 4); Ohatchee 2 (Glass 2). Total fouls: Alexandria 18, Ohatchee 5. Officials: Lemon, Stringer, Douhitt.
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