After two disappointing losses to Fluvanna and Monticello, Western Albemarle coach Darren Maynard wanted his team to focus on the positives and not let the losses carry over to the rest of the season.
“We’ve played really well in the last two games,” Maynard said. “Two really good teams but us in some close games so we wanted to continue to play well and take care of business.”
Maynard’s message seemed to sink in as the Warriors took out their frustrations on Powhatan, winning 72-41. Western took control of the game early in the first quarter thanks to a 13-2 run. Six different Warriors scored during the run and Western held the Indians to just one field goal in the first quarter.
“After two losses it was nice to get back in and get in front,” Western forward Brett Engle said. "It was nice to be in front for most of the game and just have fun.”
The Indians attempted to mount a comeback in the second quarter, but a balanced scoring attack kept the Warriors ahead by double digits at the break.
The Warriors continued to separate themselves in the second half. Engle scored six of his game-high 11 points in the third quarter. In addition to Turner's 11, Chase Stokes scored nine points. Quin Cross came off the bench and turned in a career-high eight points. Austin Ellis hauled in 11 rebounds and also scored eight points. Jake Maynard and Ben Turner each added seven.
“We got off to a good start tonight,” Darren Maynard said. “We had a little low in the second quarter, but I think we played well in the second half, too.”
Prior to the game, four Western Albemarle seniors were honored. Engle, Ellis, Turner, and Will Donnelly each played their final regular-season home game in Warrior uniform. Turner has been a member of the varsity team for three years. Donnelly is in his second year as the starting point guard for the Warriors. Engle and Ellis have also been members of the varsity team for two seasons.
“We’re going to miss them dearly,” Maynard said. “Most of our inside game graduates. They’ve all played great and we’re going to miss them. I told them in locker room that we’ll talk about it hopefully in a few weeks.”
Western earned the No. 3 seed in the Jefferson District tournament. The Warriors will host Powhatan on Friday night. With two wins over the Indians already this season, the Warriors are looking forward to Friday night's contest.
“It gives us a lot of confidence,” Engle said. “We all believe that we have a really good team and we can go far in this tournament. A win like this gives us confidence to get out there and win the whole thing.”
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