Hornet boys head to semis

By Staff
Published: February 18, 2010

Heading into the Jefferson District Tournament Saturday, the Orange County High School varsity boys basketball team wasn't exactly riding a wave of momentum. Orange had lost six of its last seven and 11 of its last 13. Games against Charlottesville and Monticello were cancelled with the snow and the Hornets hadn't played since a less-than-inspiring 70-42 loss to Western Feb. 4.
But something clicked with the Hornets when they traveled to Goochland Saturday in the opening round of the Jefferson District Tournament. The Hornets avoided their typical slow start and used a strong team effort to upset the fourth-seeded Bulldogs 81-77 in overtime.
Orange jumped out to an early 11-9 lead and battled the Bulldogs basket for basket in the second quarter before breaking for the half up 29-27. Goochland pulled ahead by four by the end of the fourth quarter 51-47, but the Hornets didn't fold. Orange rallied to make up the difference in the fourth quarter, tying the game at 68-68 and forcing the extra period. In the final frame, Orange outscored the Bulldogs 13-9 and set up a district semifinal match with Charlottesville Wednesday night at 6 p.m. Monticello.
Goochland's Brandon Henry led all scorers with 26 points, but the Hornets' Josh Pugh had 20 to lead Orange. Tres Winkler added 16 and Darrell Milton 11, while Travis Braxton and Jamal Hunter each scored nine. Tyler Seal had eight and Spencer Jarrell and Romie Powell each added four to help the Hornets to victory.
Charlottesville, the tournament's top seed, beat Monticello 54-36 in the opening round. In the other semifinal game, Fluvanna battles Western Albemarle.
The final is scheduled for Friday, Feb. 19 at Monticello at 8 p.m.