Facing a team-wide illness that sent two starters out of action and facing one of the toughest road games in District 25-6A playing Friday night in Westwood, Stony Point showed why he was at the top of the local poll Class 6A American Statesman. from the start of the season.
After getting 25 points off stellar post Josiah Moseley and forcing the Warriors to make several losses at various stages, the Tigers led from start to finish in a 44–38 win as they went to 5–0 in the county game, stating in the process on his 20th victory of the year. .
“We knew there would be more responsibility on me, Tiki[Morina]and Uzzia[Bantina]with two guys out and we knew a strong start would be important,” said Moseley, who also had double-digit rebounds and four blocks. -shot. “This is a big win that we want to repeat as district champions and it was a really big test against a team that could have been the second best team in the district.”
Every time Westwood (16-8, 3-2) threatened to turn the tide in the second half, the Tigers had a response.
As the Warriors went 24-23 in the third quarter, Stony Point used all-court pressure to create losses and push their lead into double digits. And when Westwood cut the gap to 40-36 with less than three minutes to play, Moseley’s spin en route to the basket stopped any momentum for the Warriors, and the Tigers made key defensive stops throughout the stretch.
“We needed to bring physicality to this game and by putting more pressure on we got a little bit into the second half – and that’s who we are,” said Stony Point coach Antoine Thompson, who in his first year in charge of the Tigers made them sit. at 20-1. “To succeed in the disease we are dealing with and some of the other backstories is a big deal for us. It’s an away win and every time you win that big away against a good team like Westwood, I feel good.”
Westwood had little response for Moseley, who had 11 points in the first quarter, as the Tigers built a 12–4 lead by taking advantage of numerous losses.
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Morina’s three-pointer late in the second quarter gave Stony Point their biggest lead of the competition, 23-11, but the Warriors responded with a 12-1 run, playing 24-23 midway through the third quarter, both with Caden Branch and and with Thomas. Burke hit a 3-pointer during the stretch.
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However, the Tigers’ defensive pressure, four points from Bantin and another eight points from Moseley brought their lead back to 38–27.
“I liked Josiah’s ability to show a jump shot early on and then step back in the second half,” Thompson said. “It just shows his diversity. The fact that he can create inconsistencies, get into the right place and make second and third attempts is very important to us. When he can do things like that, I’m very happy with our chances.”
Buntin, who finished with 10 points, was two free throws late to give Stoney Point a three-possession lead.
Branch finished with 14 points and Burke scored 10 to lead Westwood, which also lacked starting quarterback Sky Drexler.
“It was a physical challenge for both teams,” said Westwood coach Brad Hastings. “We liked the way we competed. Stoney Point are very good and Josiah is the best player in the area, but I was happy with our defense and how we made them score. But they are also good defensively and made things difficult for us. The game was reduced to our transfers of live balls. Who knows what will happen if we don’t have them?”
Westwood is tied for third with Vandegrift in the county standings and will play deciders next week against the second-place Manor and Vipers, with the Tigers playing McNeil and the Mustangs.
There are no weak teams in the district, and Hastings said it was the toughest team from top to bottom he had seen in his 15 years as head coach.
“It’s a cliché, but there are no easy games,” he said. “Look at Vista Ridge at 0-5 but they were in every game and they certainly could beat us. There is no bottom, and I don’t think anyone knows who will finish first – although Stony Point is obviously the favorite – or second, because everyone has a chance. It’s really torture.”
While Thompson said he appreciates the first place and his team’s hot start, he said it didn’t matter much in the grand scheme of things. He said that he and the Tigers are focused on repetition.
“I agree with where we are, but I will be happy when we win the district,” he said. “I am really proud of our guys for the fact that they were able to fight adversity. This is something we’ve been talking about all week and it’s a testament to the dedication and work ethic of our guys.”
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