Heading into the holiday break, the Indian River varsity basketball team (5-1, 4-1) rebounded from a disappointing conference loss to Woodbridge with consecutive wins over Nandua (VA) and most recently, Laurel, despite an inconsistent effort.
Indian River defeats Nandua and Laurel after loss to Woodbridge: FILE PHOTO Jeremy Purnell pulled down 24 rebounds and posted up 15 points against Laurel.The Indians converted a combined 43% field goal percentage (58-134) in the wins but saw that number shrink considerably in the first and third quarters (8-31) against Laurel which allowed the Bulldogs a chance to win in the fourth quarter.
Laurel snared an 11-8 lead after the first quarter and then eliminated a six-point Indian River halftime lead (30-24) to take a 44-40 lead of their own because of the poor percentage shot by Indian River. “This is the worst we’ve played all season,” Indians first year coach Phil Mead said.”
Laurel on the other hand, shot 50% from the floor (14-28) during the first and third quarters but was unable to withstand a relentless defensive attack by guard Deshawn Godwin and the rest of the Indians, who went on to defeat the Bulldogs 63-58 on Dec. 21.
Godwin wreaked havoc on the Bulldogs guards with his defensive pressure and resulted in a game-high’s in steals (6) and points (22). And once out in the open court, Godwin proved near-flawless, converting 6-7 field goals in transition which proved to be a catalyst for the Indians regaining the lead in both the second and fourth quarters.
Indians point guard Tyree Oliver has become more of an offensive threat than in years past went 0-12 from the field in the win over Laurel and connected only on 3-13 in a 69-57 win over Nandua on Dec. 19. Senior center Jeremy Purnell finished with a game-high 24 rebounds (11 offensive) added 15 points but failed to surpass a 40% from the field, converting 7-18 for a mere 39% shooting percentage.
“It seemed like the basket was closed all night,” Mead said of his team’s shooting percentage.
And though Oliver wasn’t able to find his shot, others including sophomore reserve forward Montre Andrews were able to pick up the slack.
Andrews has been an invaluable part of the Indians rotation, especially in their last two wins, connecting on 11-13 field goals for a combined 23 points. Six of his 23 points came off of offensive rebounds on twice was able to convert field goals despite being fouled.
Fellow sophomore Keion Sturgis followed up a strong 10 point effort on 4-8 shots against Nandua with a 12-point performance on 6-9 shots and eight rebounds in the win over Laurel.
“Right now, everybody is stepping up and playing [well] as a team,” Purnell said. “We’re not going to win or lose because of any one player.”
Indian River erased a nine-point first quarter deficit against Nandua and went on to outscore them 27-4 heading into halftime because of a balanced team effort. Six Indian River players scored and seven players contributed quality minutes which enabled the Indians to take a lead they wouldn’t relinquish.
“We run about eight or nine guys [in the playing rotation] and it seems like every game we have one or two guys that produce off the bench,” Mead said.
Once they return from the holiday break, Indian River plays Delmar and Stephen Decatur on Jan. 3 and 4 respectively. Indian River next home game (Jan. 8) is against Milford, whom the Indians defeated 62-61 in the regular-season opener.