“Powers holds off Wildcats for District crown”

When you mention next door rivals, you can’t get any closer than Powers and Northwestern, the two schools are separated by a parking lot.  The next door neighbors started the season with an epic two point battle, so it was only fitting that the two rivals battled it out for a district crown. 

Powers used their quick hands to force Northwestern into some early turnovers to take the early lead.  Consecutive baskets by Shane Moreland and an old fashioned “and 1” play by freshman Patrick Lucas-Perry gave the Chargers a 16-5 lead with 3:11 left in the first.  Powers was on the verge to really blow the game open, but DeAndre Upchurch wasn’t going to let that happen.  The junior sharpshooter hit two late 3-pointers to get Northwestern fired up. 

Momentum really turned toward the Wildcats when both S. Moreland and starting forward, Andy Herman, picked up their third fouls midway through the second quarter.  Chatavius Turner then trimmed the lead to 25-22 with a strong lay-up.  Coming out of a time out Ty Moreland took over.  Moreland got aggressive and started hitting mid-range shots to build the lead back to 33-25. 

With both S. Moreland and Herman in foul trouble, Powers was forced to leave them on the bench to start the second half.  Northwestern started the half with a 6-0 run to tie the game at 33-33.  From then on the two teams went back and forth, exchanging big play for big play. 

With five minutes left in the game Powers went on an 8-0 run to build a 55-45 lead.  Northwestern was forced to turn the game into a free throw contest by releasing quick shots and quickly fouling Powers.  Powers hit 11 free throw in the games last 1:50 to win the game, 73-65.               

 

BREAKDOWN

Game Ball- Shane Moreland #2 “Sugar Shane” has always been a team player, but every time Northwestern crawled back in the game it looked like Shane took upon himself to take and make a big shot.  The younger Moreland finished with a game high 21 points.  He also contributed on the defensive side of the ball with two blocks and four steals.

Powers- Powers has the ability to spread the floor out with five players that can all knock down the mid-range shot, and that proved to be the difference.  Their three guard rotation of Ty and Shane Moreland along with Lucas-Perry makes it tough for any team to slow them down.

Northwestern- the Wildcats will be back next year, and even stronger- they will return every starter and only loose one player from this year’s team.   

DeAndre Upchurch, #12 NW- Upchurch is a good one!  His shot is automatic and he can score from anywhere.  He’s also a tough cover because he has that first step to just blow by any defender.  He led Northwestern with 21 points.  

Patrick Lucas-Perry, #20 Powers- my main concern with Powers, going into the districts, was how their freshman point guard would handle the atmosphere and pressure but no worries because he is playing like a seasoned vet.!  He didn’t turn the ball over and he did an excellent job of running the offense and feeding the hot hand.