By Duncan Nixon
Correspondent
The Fluco boys basketball team hosted the Monticello Mustangs, a traditional Jefferson District opponent, on Dec. 8. The Flucos opened strong. They led at the end of the first quarter 18-10 and stretched their lead to 39-15 at half time. The second half was mostly an afterthought. The Mustangs closed the gap by a single point.
In the first quarter, the Flucos were led by senior guard Chazz Barksdale-White. He scored ten in the quarter, equal to the Mustangs’ point total. Barksdale-White hit a three-point shot from a stride past mid-court as the time in the quarter was ticking down. Barksdale-White also had three two-point shots, half of the Fluco’s two pointers in the quarter.
In the second quarter, the Flucos blew the game open outscoring Monticello 21-5. In this quarter, the Flucos were led by sophomore forward Sean Tyler who provided some size and power. He scored two two-point baskets and four free throws. Barksdale-White had four points in the quarter, as did junior forward Benny Denby.
The Mustangs bounced back a little in the third quarter. The Flucos only scored ten points in the quarter. Sophomore guard Sam Loving came off the bench to score a three-point shot and a free throw. The Mustangs scored 16 to close the gap marginally.
The Flucos won the fourth quarter 17-12 to bump their lead back up to 23. Denby had five in the quarter. Junior forward Mason Kirby contributed four points and junior guard Tyzhier Martin nailed a three pointer. The Flucos had balanced scoring with four players in double figures. Barksdale-White had 14, Denby 13, and Loving and Tyler 10 apiece.
A review of the statistics for the game shows that the Fluco defense was the difference. Like last year, Coach Heath Bralley is going with a three guard, two forward, starting line-up. The three guards, all seniors again, are even shorter than last year, as all three are listed at under 6-0. Like last year, this troika is quick. While rebounds and assists in this game were mostly even, the Flucos had a huge lead in deflections, 31-9 and in steals 18-5. In addition, the Flucos had 11 fewer turn-overs than the Mustangs. After the game, Coach Bralley was pleased with his teams’ play noting that points and rebounds were evenly spread. Rebounding statistics showed Kirby with eight, Denby with six and Loving with five.
The Flucos played down south against Alta-Vista on Dec. 16 and played two games in a Holiday tournament on Dec. 21 and 22. After the Christmas/New Years break, Jefferson District play begins in earnest. On Jan. 3, they will be at Albemarle High. On Jan. 5, they will host Orange County. On Jan. 9 they will travel to Charlottesville and on Jan. 12 they will host Goochland County.
