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Coming into this game and getting a sense of the crowd, this looked to be a highly-exciting game and that is what we got for sure, as these two teams simply got after it and wanted to get out and run. You could see that early on, as both teams went up and down, bringing some tremendous speed on both ends of the court. Silas Demary Jr. got going early on for Millbrook, quickly getting into double-figures in the first few minutes of this game. But Charlie Miller and Lumberton didn't back down and went shot-for-shot with them, as he had 10 quick points as well. After one-quarter of play though, it was Millbrook holding the narrow 17-16 lead.
Millbrook started off strong and created a little separation as 2021 Redford Dunton started to get into the action for his team with six early points in the second quarter. Also, Lumberton faced some turnovers in the second quarter and shots didn't quite fall early on, as they found themselves down six points. But, like before, Lumberton climbed their way right back in with their defensive effort and continuing to stay aggressive, playing their style of basketball. It helped them tie the game up at halftime 32 apiece.
Once again, Millbrook came out strong and built a small lead, and once again, Lumberton ramped up its defense and offense to cut back into the lead and make it a one-possession ballgame for much of the third quarter. Heading into the fourth quarter, you just had to expect that this was going to be a close one to the finish. Millbrook, once again, started to create space and eventually led by as many as seven points in the fourth quarter late but Lumberton, the scrappy team they are, made some big plays to eventually tie the game up at 70. Millbrook had a chance to win it at the end of regulation but a mid-range jumper by Chris Daniels came up short, so we headed into overtime.
The pace slowed down tremendously in overtime, as Lumberton wanted to take some time off the clock. Chatham made some key plays to give his team a lead but credit Chris Daniels and Demary stepping up, getting to the line, and knocking down shots late, eventually helping seal the deal for Millbrook, 79-77.
Stats:
Millbrook: Silas Demary 29 points, Redford Dunton 15 points, Chris Daniels 14 points, Eric van der Heijden 13 points
Lumberton: Charlie Miller 19 points, Matt Locker 18 points, Jadarion Chatman 17 points, Angel Bowie 15 points
Standouts:
2021 Charlie Miller (Lumberton): Have to say it now but really do love watching this young man play the game on the court. You can tell he works hard at his game and brings that same energy to the courts on gameday.' Always moving on the floor, great motor, and an absolute bucket that just needs a second to get his shot off.' He likes to show off his range and does so with confidence but has a great understanding of attacking and taking what the defense gives him as well.
2022 Silas Demary Jr. (Millbrook): You can see that this young man continues to ooze confidence in his game and is showing why more schools will be getting on him more.' Plays with toughness and physicality at the guard position, attacking defenses and finishing well through contact; he showed that countless times in this one, as well as his ability to get to the free-throw line.
2021 Jadarion Chatman (Lumberton): The senior guard continued to make plays, especially with his intriguing speed to get by defenders and attack downhill. Time after time, he made plays and also had the luxury of defending Eric van der Heijden on defense. It was a tough game but he played extremely well and made some timely plays when it counted.
2021 Redford Dunton (Millbrook): Dunton's IQ, smoothness, and his sense of how to read a defense are big-time.' Love his presence on the floor with his size.' Dunton just makes high IQ plays, doesn't force much but also knows how to score on all levels of the floor.'