Late Third Quarter Charge too much for Queen Anne's

Wicomico High School,

Top seeded Wi-Hi survived another big test from Queen Anne’s thanks to a big time run at the end of the third quarter to pull away and earn a 98-83 victory to propel them into the Regional Finals against Elkton. Both teams had high field goal percentages which nearly brought the Indians to the century mark in scoring.

The first half started off like the North Caroline game Tuesday night with the visiting team scoring first, Wi-Hi building up a lead, and then surrendering the lead back to single digits. Devon Gale of Wi-Hi lead out the opening lead with a quick 7 point burst to make it 11-2. The Lions Mike Hurst stopped the run with a basket and coupled with offense and defense from Dyrell Wilson brought the first quarter to a close with Wi Hi being up 21-20.

If the game had a story line it was Wi-Hi saying “whatever you can do, we can do better” and it was evident in the second quarter. Jed Danmyer gave the Lions a short lived lead at the start of the second but Gavin Dennis came right back with a 2 point goal and free throw on the play to get the lead back to the Indians. Queen Anne’s was able to pass around Wi-Hi’s defense to keep it a close game but Wi-Hi kept the edge with balanced scoring from Gavin Dennis, Brennan Gross, and DeAngelo Gie. Ronald Hall hit a late second banked three to put the game within three, but Gavin Dennis was fouled at the buzzer and was awarded three free throws. Dennis missed the first three, but was given another opportunity after a bench violation on Queen Anne’s side. Dennis drained the try and sent Wi-Hi into the locker room up 48-44.

A deluge of scoring opened the third with 20 points being scored in the first 3 minutes which ended with Wi Hi being up 57-54. The lead got pushed to 6, but back to back baskets form Tyler German and Wilson got the Lions back within 2. A late rush of baskets from Kimble Brown, Gie, and Gale pushed the lead to 74-63. Wi-Hi was able to manipulate Queen Anne’s D to provide the lift.

Queen Anne’s was not able to recover from that rush and could not find the basket often enough to keep it close like they were able to do throughout the game. Gie and Otis Waters was able to extend the lead to 86-71 at the 4:25 mark along with Wi-Hi making most of their free throws down the stretch to keep it completely out of reach.

Game Notes.

Wi-Hi’s coach Butch Waller said “They played a lot better than their record. Number 32 (TJ Brooks) was tough for us.” Queen Anne was able to get a lot of outlet passes that resulted in baskets but Coach Waller was able to make adjustments at the half to silence the threat. Queen Anne’s 3-2 defense was tough but was eventually picked apart. “We worked a lot better down low and was able to get scoring there where we didn’t have it last game” Coach Waller stated. Wi Hi takes on the number 2 seed Elkton who defeated Easton tonight Saturday at Wi-Hi. The game starts 6pm. Please come and support your Wicomico Indians.