If offense wins games and defense wins championships, what does having both get you?
On Tuesday, it got the Northeast Eagles a 69-45 victory over District 10-AAA foe Northwest.
Northeast took a 36-11 lead into halftime on the heels of a 20-3 second quarter.
“You hate to nitpick everything, but tonight was one of those nights where we came out, our mindset was where it needed to be, basketball for 32 minutes,” said Northeast coach Sam Young. “I thought our defensive effort was the best of the season. We’re only three games in, but I thought we really dug in tonight.
“We did exactly what was expected on the scouting report and I’m proud of the guys for the defensive effort tonight. You hold a team to, what, 11 points at halftime? Can’t say much to that.”
Marcus Averhart was even with the Vikings at halftime with 11 points of his own and finished with a game-high 15 points. 11 other Eagles scored in the game.
The point total and ability to spread the ball around was a direct result of the team’s effort outside of games.
“We had a good practice yesterday, it showed tonight, but just continuing to do what we do,” Young said. “Continuing to work on what we do in practice and continuing into game play. So far, tonight was the first night I can say we really ran an offense. Still wasn’t perfect, still wasn’t excellent, but it was a night we did some things that looked like (the) offense we do in practice.”
Northwest was able to salvage some of the margin, outscoring the Eagles 29-17 over the final 10 minutes.
Additionally, Vikings coach Aaron Wallus is appreciative that his team had the chance to play – and be humbled by – the talented Eagles early in the season.
“Let’s play the toughest teams in the league, let’s do it,” Wallus said. “We’re going to learn and grow. I’d rather do this than have a false sense of, ‘Oh, we’re good’ or we’re this or that. No, let’s go ahead and play the best teams in the league and learn from it. I’m alright with that.”
Now at 2-2, the Eagles’ next stop is a visit to Montgomery Central. while the 1-3 Vikings host Kenwood. Both games are scheduled for Friday at 7:30 p.m.
BOX SCORE
Northeast (69): Marcus Averhart 15, Ty Jackson 10, Jaylen Miller 9, Keaton Allen 9, Josh Alexander 6, Jalen Hooks 6, Tomario Vereen 4, Jalen Bussey 2, Dailen Hairston 2, Taylor Carrey 2, Marcus Williams 1, Diontae Wright 1..
Northwest (45): Jamal Mull 10, NaQuan Braithwaite 8, Ametri Moss 8, Jumaare Satterwaithe 6, Joshua Youngblood 6, Taveris Albury 5, Scott Batista 2.
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