By By Matthew Nascone
The Northview boy's basketball team opened the 2005-2006 district season with a bang, defeating South Walton 44-33.
"It was a sloppy game, but we will take it because a win is a win," NHS head coach Shane Reid said.
Reid said the two and a half hour trip to South Walton might have been to blame for the sluggish play of his players, but he did not use that as an excuse.
"We did not open the game with the intensity we needed," Reid said. "But in the second half we played solid defense and we limited their second-chance opportunities."
The Chiefs turned 14 steals into points with a good transition game, Reid said. That was the key to the game.
"In the second half we made plays when we needed to make them," he said.
The play of John Yuhasz off the bench for the Chiefs sparked the Chiefs in the second half and Reid said he was proud of how he responded to being put in a big situation.
"He came in halfway through the third quarter and scored six points for us," Reid said. "He scored when we needed it the most, when we hit a cold streak in the fourth quarter. He started that spark for us to win the game."
The Chiefs have received great play from senior big man Cedric McKinley all season, but Reid said the team has been looking for a second post player to give McKinley a rest every so often.
"Tarrance Wright played his best game of the season," Reid said. "He had six points with six rebounds and only one foul and that is huge."
McKinley led the Chiefs with 16 points and 11 rebounds and Reid said Courtney Whatley had a sub par night offensively, but had 10 steals to lead the Chiefs defensive charge.
Reid said he was happy with the play of his entire team. He was especially proud of the guys who came off the bench and played well.
"Nick Angeles has not played a lot, but he came in against South Walton and got a steal, and hit a big shot," Reid said. "He hustled all night and he messed them up."
The Chiefs participate in the Jay Tournament Dec. 15 and Dec. 16.
In girl's action
The Lady Chiefs lost 52-21 to South Walton Friday. NHS head coach Lorenzo Jones said the long drive affected his girls as well. But, like Reid Jones did not make any excuses for the way his girls played.
"I had a completely different team than the one that won Thursday night," Jones said.
Jones said the second half had some improvement, but it was too little too late.
The Lady Chiefs did not score in the opening quarter, but Jones said they were able to beat South Walton's press. Jones said the problem was with scoring after the press was broken.
"I am not angry because they are young and inexperienced, but we will work on things in practice and get better," Jones said. "We have to work to not panic and spread the ball around to create our shot."
Timeka Marshall again led NHS with 10 points and Finese Newton added eight points.
The Lady Chiefs participate in the Jay Tournament Dec. 15 and Dec. 16.