Woodbridge met Washington High School on the court at the Governors Challenge last Monday at Wicomico High School. The Blue Raiders were led by Isaiah Giles with 11 points in the 70-51 win.
The Blue Raiders and Washington both played a zone defense and full court press but Woodbridge’s tenacious pursuit of the ball on the press resulted in forced turnovers and an early 5-0 lead.
Woodbridge guard Isaiah Newton scores two points from a fast break during Monday’s game. Photo by Bernard W. Carr
The Raiders’ Isaiah Newton and Giles worked together to trap the Jaguars to score on turnovers. In the closing minute of play the Blue Raiders piled up some fouls yet Washington’s low percentage foul shots kept Woodbridge in a 14-9 lead. Woodbridge’s Marquel Clark, along with TaSean Williams-Conway, pulled in offensive rebounds for second and third shooting chances that allowed the Blue Raiders to stay in the lead. Giles’ strong presence in the paint and rebounds with foul line jumpers scored the first four points for Woodbridge. Williams-Conway picked a steal, blocked a shot, and pushed through the defense to also set up points for Woodbridge. In the closing minutes Clark worked aggressively on the rebounds but on the final play and at the buzzer Newton committed his third foul. Washington made it hurt with a buzzer beating three-point shot to go to half-time. Woodbridge led 35-26.
In the third quarter Washington showed full court man to man that worked for early turnovers by the Raiders. Jermaine Cannon worked with Williams-Conway (nine points), who scored on a floater. A takeaway by Newton and quick transition pass to Williams kept Woodbridge in a strong 10 point lead. Giles missed two shots while Washington scored on the possessions and tightened the score. In the final moments of play
Woodbridge turned up the heat and their strong quick athleticism was too much for Washington for the win, 70-51.