Cavaliers surge past Chargers

Published 10:49 am Wednesday, February 10, 2016

ISLE OF WIGHT
In Friday night’s Metro League battle, StoneBridge defeated Isle of Wight, 73-62. Isle of Wight trailed throughout, but closed the score to two points with only 2:30 remaining in the game. The Chargers could not keep that momentum, though, as the Cavaliers surged ahead in the final minutes.

Isle of Wight junior Curtis Waters gets the contact as he looks to convert a layup.  -- Frank Davis | Tidewater News

Isle of Wight junior Curtis Waters gets the contact as he looks to convert a layup. — Frank Davis | Tidewater News

“We got way behind early and got in a deep hole,” Isle of Wight head coach Ben Vaughan said. “We did a great job coming back … but then they hit a couple of crucial points to push that margin back up.”

In the first quarter, StoneBridge’s Terrick Philpot connected on 3 three-point baskets. Fellow teammate Shaun Faulk also added 1 three-point basket that allowed the visiting Cavaliers to jump out to a 22-11 lead. StoneBridge had a 10-6 advantage in three-point shots for the game.

The Cavaliers opened the second quarter with two back-to-back three pointers by Nehemiah Hill. Bryce Casey hit another three pointer and tried to ignite the team, as he scored nine points in the quarter. Even so, the Cavaliers were still ahead at the half, 38-26.

Senior Bryce Casey scores two of his 14 points in the third quarter of Isle of Wight’s loss. -- Frank Davis | Tidewater News

Senior Bryce Casey scores two of his 14 points in the third quarter of Isle of Wight’s loss. — Frank Davis | Tidewater News

During intermission, the spectators were able to watch the high-energy, fast- paced play of the Saturday morning basketball program. This program focuses on developing first- through fourth-grade students for both the boys and girls basketball teams. As play continued in the second half, the Chargers tried to cut into the lead. The Chargers’ big man, Rylee Williams, picked up the scoring with 10 points in the quarter. Although for the Chargers it was their best quarter in scoring with 23 points, they still trailed 54-49 heading into the final frame.

With 2:30 remaining, Brandon Casey hit a three pointer to cut the lead to 2. The Cavaliers answered, as a pair of free throws and a Wesley Wetherbee three pointer pushed the advantage to 67-60 and sealed the game.

Isle of Wight had four players in double figures: Williams had 18 points, Bryce Casey scored 14 and both Brandon Casey and Chad McCann had 11 points apiece.

Terrick Philpot led the Cavaliers with 28 points, and Shaun Faulk pitched in 23.