Whitefield Academy “Wolfpack” vs. Turner County “Rebels”

Whitefield handlesTurner County

Huge third period by the Wolfpack buries TuCo

Macon Coliseum – Macon, GA

Macon, GA – Essentially making what feels like an annual visit to the Macon Coliseum, Whitefield Academy came into the Class A championship game looking to hold off a sizzling Turner County Rebel team looking to put a stamp on a near perfect season.  Today’s matchup was merely a battle between athleticism and system. 

The Rebels boasts an athletic squad full of slashers and playmakers, while the Wolfpack use precision and fundamentals to get their point across.  The question of the day was which style of play would make the strongest point when it counted most.

Call it sloppiness or great defense on the part of the Whitefield Academy, but TuCo came out of the gate with three early turnovers to clearly put the momentum on the side of the Wolfpack.  Whitefield showed their athletic side with pressure defense of their own that led to a few transition baskets. 

With forward Cameron Baskerville making an early exit with two quick fouls, the Wolfpack kept the pressure on the Rebels led by the play of 2^nd team 4SHOT Hoops 2008-09 All-State hoopster, Brandon Reed.  Despite their seemingly out-of-control style of play, TuCo began to put the clamps on the Wolfpack offense and ended the first period behind by only one point, 12-13.

The Rebels came out in the second period with a seamless mix of frantic, yet dynamic play.  Their up tempo style of play bothered the Wolfpack as they forced Whitefield to play in unfamiliar territory.  The perimeter defense of guards DD Jackson, Tray Pearce, and Davis and the presence of sophomore Breon Dixon in the middle caused Wolfpack turnovers that led to fast break points for the Rebels. 

With Baskerville still on the bench, Rebel seniors Ternell Davis and Todd Lowson exploited the interior of the Wolfpack defense.  Davis slashed and drove the lane consistently to attack the Whitefield defense and surged the Rebels past the Wolfpack for a slight lead.  Reed, however, steadied the Wolfpack as they evened things up at 27 going into the half.

The Wolfpack opened up the third period with 11 straight points before the Rebels finally scored on a short jumper from Davis with 2:58 left, but the damage was already done.  Baskerville immediately made his presence with an offensive put back and a blocked shot.  After Reed sunk two free throws, the Wolfpack held a lead that they would not relinquish. 

Baskerville, along with defensive specialist, Kennard Backman, continued to man the boards for the Wolfpack holding the Rebels to one shot, while giving Whitefield numerous second chance opportunities on the offensive end.  Backman also gave a heavy contribution on the offensive due to the Rebels lack of size inside.  TuCo’s lack of ball handling skills were also made all too obvious by a full court press implemented by Wolfpack head coach Tyrone Johnson, who clearly made the necessary halftime adjustments to razzle the Rebels.

The Wolfpack went on the outscore Turner County 20-4 in the third period to seal the deal as Whitefield went on to win the school’s second championship of the new millennium 69 – 53.

Final Score:

Whitefield Academy 69 – Turner County 53

Scoring Recap:

Turner County: Ternell Davis finished with a game high of 18 points, while Todd Lowson followed up with 10 points.  Breon Dixon added eight points to the mix.

Whitefield Academy: Brandon Reed and Kennard Blackman led the way for the Wolfpack with 17 points each.  Aaron McLeod finished with ten points, while Cameron Baskerville followed with nine of his own.