William Monroe wallops Central (Woodstock)

STANARDSVILLE — Behind a big third quarter and stifling defense throughout, the William Monroe boys basketball team cruised passed visiting Central (Woodstock) 65-44 on Wednesday night.

The Greene Dragons got off to a fast start and led by 11 points after the first eight minutes. The Dragons were a little stagnant in the second quarter, which led to turnovers and offensive rebounds for the Falcons. Monroe saw its lead shrink to six points in the second quarter before a late run pushed the advantage back to 11. William Monroe coach Mike Maynard was visibly upset with his team despite the double-digit advantage at the break.

“The first half reminded me that I have 16-17-year-old players,” Maynard said. “We were kind of sloppy with our passes and we didn’t shoot the ball as well as we should.”

Monroe came out of the locker room looking like a different team in the third quarter. The Dragons opened the second half with a 6-0 run and led by as many as 20. Markel Williams put his team on his back offensively, scoring 11 points in the third quarter. The junior scored at will inside and outside the paint while almost outscoring the Falcons by himself in the process.

“When we went into the locker room, we weren't knocking down our shots,” Williams said. “I knew that I had to take over and I got in the paint and my teammates trusted me and I went to work.”

Williams led all scorers with 23 points. The Dragons continued to add to their advantage in the final quarter, leading by as many as 23 before settling for the final 21-point margin. In addition to Williams’ big night, Jordan Gentry turned in his second strong game in a row with 16 points. Markel Faulkner finished in double figures as well with 11.

“I thought in the second half we went inside a lot more,” Maynard said. “We want to go to Markel Williams and Markel Faulkner when we can. I thought our defense kept us in the game.”

Next up for the Dragons on Friday night is arguably their biggest game of the year as George Mason comes to Stanardsville with first place in the Bull Run District on the line. George Mason defeated the Dragons by four points in early January. Monroe, winners of five games in a row, has only lost one other district game since, and has been eagerly anticipating its second chance at Mason.

“We’re new to the Bull Run and George Mason has been a top team,” Maynard said. “They’re very good and senior oriented. We know we’ll have our hands full, but they’re coming to our gym and I know my kids will be ready.”

Added Williams: “Its a big game. They’ve been the top dog for a long time. We’re new and I think its time for a new top dog.”