PALMYRA — Despite leading less than half the time, the Fluvanna boys’ basketball team beat Orange 73-65 in the opening round of the Fluvanna Christmas Bash.
“We need it was going to be physical and we were looking forward to playing this game because we knew they would be the best team we have played all year.” FCHS head coach Munro Rateau continued, “The first half we didn’t match their physicalness but in the second half we competed much harder under the boards.”
Orange scored first and held the lead until late in the second quarter. Junior Brad Bullock hit a 3-pointer then stole the ensuing Hornet possession for a layup to give Fluvanna its first lead with 34-33 advantage with four seconds before the break.
“[Bullock] did a really good job coming off the bench. We got about 10 guys that we can get in there and play. He stepped up tonight and had a great game for us,” said Rateau.
Bullock said, “My mentality was to do the little things, just help my team out to win the game; just block every thing else out to win the game.”
FCHS would hold the lead throughout the third quarter until the final minute but again, late quarter heroics gave Fluvanna a 48-46 lead into the fourth quarter. The back and forth final frame had two lead changes and another two ties.
Listen to a recording of the Fluco SN broadcast
The Flucos were able to maintain the lead late thanks to clutch free throw shooting, especially with YaYa Anderson who was able to score his final eight points from the charity stripe. In total, the teams were whistled for 53 fouls.
“It was rough, they are probably the best rebounding team we’ve played all year,” said Anderson who hit 11 free throws throughout the night. “We really have to work on our rebound, our backside rebounding. They came out with a lot of intensity. Every team is going to want to play us every single game.”
FCHS relied heavily down the stretch on first year varsity players sophomore Dorian Butler, freshman Jalen Harrison and Bullock to mix with the senior trio of Taylor Lintecum, Jake Smith and Anderson.
“It is a matter of getting them the ball early to get them in a rhythm.” Anderson continued, “When they hold the rock, they are able to push it up the court and give me a break. It is good playing with them.”
Leading all scorers was Anderson with 27 points while grabbing 10 rebounds and dishing six assists. Lintecum also netted a double-double with 12 points and 11 rebounds. Brad Bullock had 16 points, five steals and four rebounds while Butler and Harrison each put in five points. Smith scored five points, all from free throws.
Fluvanna next plays John Handley (Winchester, VA) in the Christmas Bash championship. JHHS (5-1) easily dispatched of Spotsylvania in its opening round game. The Flucos and the Judges meet up at 7:30 p.m. The game will also be broadcast on the Fluco SN.
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