PALMYRA — The Shoebox faithful were sporting a “white-out” in support of their Flucos, and created a college-like atmosphere Tuesday night. As a result, the Fluvanna boys’ basketball team erupted for a 83-56 victory in the Region II Div. 3 quarterfinals.
The Flucos (No. 2 AA AP) came out white-hot, hitting six of their first seven shots, three of which were 3-pointers. Senior YaYa Anderson sunk two early triples from Jimmer Fredette-range. The FCHS defense put a stranglehold on the opposing Warren Wildcats’ offense early and never looked back.
“We made some early threes, and sometimes we get caught up in that and don’t get the ball into the post,” said Fluco head coach Munro Rateau, who netted career win 475.
“It’s all a mental thing,” said Anderson. “You just have to play your game and execute.” And execute is what they did. A near flawless first quarter put the Flucos up 23-13. Anderson finished the quarter with 12 points.
The Wildcats clawed back in by battling the offensive board and stayed barely within striking distance of the Flucos.
“We need to focus on rebounding the ball and going after the ball after we shoot for the coming games but the intensity was there from the beginning and that’s all we needed,” said senior Jake Smith.
On defense, the Flucos followed a simple formula of zone defense and forcing turnovers for fastbreak points, and the Flucos had plenty of those to show for it. By halftime, the Flucos had doubled up the Wildcats with a 42-21 edge.
In the third quarter, the WCHS kept pace but were barely able to close the gap, outscoring the Flucos 15-14 in the frame. The Flucos spread the wealth in the second half, getting freshmen Jalen Harrison and Vinny Agee the ball who finished the night with 16 and 11 points, respectively.
“They did what they were supposed to do and hopefully that will carry over to Thursday night,” said Rateau.
The rowdy FCHS student section hardly let up on the intensity, even with a 22-point advantage. The section even went as far as to serenade the Wildcats by singing a verse from the movie “High School Musical,” who were also known as the Wildcats.
Warren hit four straight 3-pointers in the fourth quarter. Fluvanna countered with Dorian Butler, Chris Lacey and Alex Brooks baskets from deep.
Anderson finished the night with 26 points including seven from deep, six rebounds, six assists and five steals.
The Flucos (21-3) face off one last time against Jefferson District rival Charlottesville, who bumped Fluvanna out of the district tournament. The winner will gain a bid to the state tournament and will play in the Region II Div. 3 championship.
“We have to come out, rebound and play with a high intensity,” said Anderson on facing the
Black Knights.
Game time is set for 7 p.m. in Palmyra. Each school will pre-sell 250 tickets. Contact Fluvanna County High School or Charlottesville High School for more information.
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