TA boys win Christmas tournament
Published 11:35 am Friday, December 28, 2012
Tidewater Academy senior Marqual Saunders takes the ball down court. Saunders scored 12 points in the title game for the Tidewater Academy Christmas Tournament. ANDREW FAISON/TIDEWATER NEWS
WAKEFIELD—The Tidewater Academy boys’ basketball team won the Tidewater Academy Christmas Tournament after defeating StoneBridge 58-49 in the finals.
“We needed a win after our past few heartbreakers,” said TA Coach Walter Westbrook. “And we definitely wanted to win our own tournament.”
The Warriors, 6-4, overcame a 27-17 halftime deficit. Westbrook said his team’s defense in the third quarter was the best it’s been all year.
“This is the first time this year we have overcome adversity in a game,” he said. “I am extremely proud of the effort last night and how we kept our poise.”
The Warriors were led by junior Elante Drew with 19 points; seniors Marquel Saunders and Hunter Haywood added 12 and 11, respectively, and junior Daniel McKenney scored 10.
“I’m proud because we won against a good team, I’m happy where we are as a team right now,” Westbrook said.
In action from Wednesday, Haywood scored 29 points leading Tidewater Academy to a 77-43 win over Sovereign Grace in the first round of the tournament.
Sophomore Peyton Holdsworth and Saunders scored 13 points apiece for the winners.
