Woodson High School’s explosive 31-point third quarter helped the Cavaliers secure a 93-82 victory over Lake Braddock on senior night.
“We were able to open up a little separation late in the third quarter and get the game in arms distance,” Woodson head coach Doug Craig said. “They’re really tough when they get out in front. We’re pretty hard to guard, because we have a lot of guards that can step up and make shots.”
The Cavalier guards certainly stepped up as they accounted for 68 of Woodson’s 93 points on the night. Senior guard Sinneh Bangura made tough shots all night long and led the team with 20 points, 8 rebounds, 8 assists, and 3 blocks. Sophomore guard Ethan Conklin also had a big night with 20 points, and senior guard Alexander Klein tallied 18 points as well.
After the game Bangura credited his teammates for his performance, and praised the Cavaliers’ ability to stretch the court and make the right passes.
“My teammates find me in the right spots,” Bangura said. “When we work together as a team we move the ball well.”
Senior forward and Marymount baseball commit Brady Lencz also had a massive night for the Cavaliers as he posted a double-double with 20 points and 20 rebounds. Lake Braddock was led by senior guard and fellow Marymount baseball commit Quincy Via, who accounted for 22 points.
The game stated with an offensive frenzy as the Bruins (7-4, 14-4) began the game with four consecutive three-point shots that helped Lake Braddock take an early 14-3 lead.
“You’ve got to give credit to Lake Braddock,” Coach Craig said. “Both times we’ve played them this year it started the same way. They get off to a good start – they just play at such a high level, you got to take a few minutes to get used to that. Once we settled in we were able to get into what we wanted, and get good shots. They’re a good team, they’ve got a lot of guys that can make shots and a lot of veteran players. It’s just the ebbs and flows – when you play Lake Braddock you’re gonna have 10-0 runs.”
The Cavaliers adjusted to the Bruins fast tempo, and responded with a 10-2 run to help close the gap. But Lake Braddock’s early lead helped them control the first quarter, and the Bruins led 21-16 lead after a quarter.
Woodson continued to settle into its game plan in the second quarter, as the Cavs would take a 33-27 lead halfway through the quarter after an 11-0 run. The Cavaliers were ignited by Lencz, who scored 11 points in the second quarter thanks to rebounding and second chance points.
The Bruins shifted the momentum with a 7-0 run to regain the lead at 34-33, but the Cavaliers were composed as they ended the half on a 6-0 run, and entered the third quarter with a 39-34 lead.
“I probably get more upset than the (kids) do, and I think they are showing their maturity this year,” Coach Craig said as he laughed. “We’ve got seniors in the backcourt who have played a lot and seen every situation so they’re not really phased.”
Woodson carried its momentum into the second half and the Cavaliers would not relinquish their lead as they went on to win the game. Afterwards, Coach Craig spoke about how he was happy to have the student section back in the gym.
“It’s been so tough on kids everywhere the last couple years,” Coach Craig said. “A Friday night basketball game with a big crowd is so much fun for the kids. You only get a chance to do it once, and it’s been taken away from them for about a year and a half. It’s so nice to have fans back, and I think everybody did a good job wearing the masks and being responsible. It’s nice to have everyone back together and have crowds on a Friday night, whether it’s home or away. It’s so good for our kids, it’s fun – it’s what it’s supposed to be.”
The Cavaliers improve to 14-3, and 9-2 in the district. Woodson remains tied for second place in the Patriot district, with three games remaining, including a matchup against South County on the 9th.
“The win feels great,” Sinneh said. “But we want more though – we’re still going.”
–TJ Davis
@Ttown316