The Register-Herald, Beckley, West Virginia

High School Sports

March 9, 2010

East gets another shot at Patriots

Spartans fell to George Washington by three last month

By Dave Morrison Register-Herald Sports Editor

FAIRLEA — Greenbrier East coach Jerry Bradley wasn’t just happy being in position to win the Class AAA Region 3, Section 2 crown.

He wanted the title, but, more than that, the home region co-final that went along with it.

Sure, the Spartans (12-12) exorcised some demons by beating Woodrow Wilson for the section title.

But that home game against George Washington (20-4) was the proverbial cake that he got to eat as well.

It is a rematch of a game played just over two weeks ago.

The Spartans came within three of beating the then-No. 1 Patriots in Fairlea on Feb. 22, falling 49-46.

George Washington coach Rick Greene knows it will be a different team he sees tonight.

“We know the environment,” Greene told The Charleston Gazette, “but it’ll be more jacked up now than the regular-season game. We know their people really well, and (Bradley) is doing a great job over there. It’s one of their better teams.

“So it’s a huge challenge for us. But if you want to get to the state tournament, nobody’s going to open doors for you. You’re going to have to kick it open.”

Of course, it will be a different Patriot squad as well. Literally.

Leading scorer Shawny Badger (13.5 ppg) did not play in the first game at Fairlea, serving a two-game suspension.

But the Patriots are more than a one-man gang.

Tyquane Goard (12.1), Tino DiTrapano (11.3) and De’quon Miller (11.1) are all averaging on double figures for George Washington.

East is led by its one-two punch of junior Hayden Roberts (18.0) and senior Jalen Walker (17.5). Walker had 16 in the Spartans loss to GW. But both had 22 points when the Spartans beat Woodrow in the section championship.

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High School Sports