Even without their starting point guard, New Mexico signee Nolan Dorsey, Millbrook was able to defeat inter-county rival Heritage going away on the opening night of the season.
Heritage was winning in the first quarter and then after a single-digit halftime deficit, they were able to come within 3 points as the second half started. After that Heritage run, Millbrook broke it open and never looked back.
Kudos to both schools as the atmosphere was off the charts. Both student sections showed up and showed out throughout the game. Watch for good seasons from both teams!
Final
Millbrook – 86
Heritage – 67
Scoring Leaders
Millbrook – 6'8' '21 Will Felton: 30, 6'5' '20 Jalen McCoy: 14, 6'9' '21 Eric van der Heijden: 10
Heritage – 6'6' '21 Red Dunton: 18, 6'5' '21 Lucas Taylor: 15, 6' '21 Jalen Rochelle: 14
Heritage Will Be Just Fine
As Millbrook Head Coach Chris Davis stated after the game, 'They have a tough three-headed monster that will give teams fits. Look for them to make a deep playoff run, they're well-coached too.' With the 6'6' junior duo of Red Dunton and Lucas Taylor along with senior Tre Waller, Heritage has a trio of guys who could go for 20 any given night. With Taylor and Dunton's length and athleticism on the wing and Waller's shot-making ability at the guard, this team is very good. Add in a nice bench and a great coaching staff, Heritage should be a team to watch for, as Coach Davis puts it, possibly making a deep playoff run.
Will Felton is a Man Amongst Boys
It was a 30 points, 12 rebound night for Felton, however, this is what we have come to expect from him. He knocked down a 15-foot jumper, but most of his damage was done around the basket. He has huge hands, very passer friendly, and carves out great space on the block. He has touch around the basket and patience with the ball in his hands. On this night, he was just too strong down low for everyone, it is kinda appropriate former Heritage, and current East Carolina, forward Jayden Gardner was in attendance as some could say there are some similarities.
Millbrook Gunning for that Top Spot
The stars have aligned here for this to be a special year for Millbrook High School. While they have played in a state championship game, never have their boy’s team won a state title. This could be the year they breakthrough. This team is big, skilled and athletic. When fully healthy, their starting lines up goes Point Guard – 6'6' Nolan Dorsey (New Mexico), 6'5' Jalen McCoy, 6'9' Eric van der Heijden, 6'8' Sam Hood and 6'8' Will Felton. Off the bench, you bring in the likes of 6'5' sniper Parker Swisher, 6'4' guard Adam Carey and other long, athletic and skilled player. While taking it one game at a time, this team should be in full championship mode, they are national rankings good.