Jacksonville, AL – Etowah ramps up the heat during the second quarter, is able to get away of White Plains in Class 4A Northeast Regional
By Al Muskewitz
Chris Randall practices his White Plains basketball team on a regular basis against seven and six players at a time in order to prepare for any pressure it will face throughout the course of the season. But there was nothing to help prepare players from the Wildcats for the challenge they encountered in the second quarter of the regional semi-final match Saturday. The Wildcats were ahead by nine at the half, but Etowah turned up the tempo after the break and forced many turnovers which could be converted into points, and beat them 58-50 at the class 4A Northeast Regionals at Jacksonville State.
The Blue Devils (22-7) now will play the state champions Jacksonville on Wednesday for the chance to play at the Final Four. White Plains controlled the tempo early and was leading by 27-18 at the half despite making 12 turnovers, a majority of which were non-forced. This was a signpost of what was to follow. Being aware that they must increase their pace on both ends in order to improve their chances The Blue Devils turned up their presses and in the 3rd quarter, they forced eight more turnovers, from of which, they scored eleven points. In the entire game, they made 23 turnovers (15 from steals) and they scored 25 points on these.
“The third quarter made what made the difference in that they were able to use a different equipment,” Randall said. “We always inform our players that during the opening four minutes in the 3rd quarter that what happens the most of the time will decide the final outcome for the match … that’s what it was. “The press had not hurt us before in the year and we’ve done a very good job of defending against it. But they showed a different degree of intensity during the third quarter, and it was quite impressive.” Blue Devils coach James Graves called it “creating some chaos” and they certainly created chaos.
Josh Graham was particularly active in his team the Blue Devils. In the 20-2 spurt that gave them the lead the guard of senior had two baskets from teammates’ steals and a steal which Jalein Walker converted into a bucket, and then the Blue Devils tied the game with the layup. Then, he converted one of his steals into an uncontested three-pointer that led his team to an advantage of 41-33. Graham was able to finish playing with 20 point with eight rebounds, six assists , and six steals. “I had an injury on my shoulder prior to the halftime break,” Graham said. “I said to the team when we headed into the dressing room, we had been through this before, and this was nothing new. We are still able to come back and beat this team. “I think they see myself as an example to follow. I’m sure when I take the initiative and do what I’m supposed to do, they’ll take the initiative and do the things they’re supposed to do, too. All of it went well.” Read more… Learn further…]
