Northview claws to win over Hawks
Published 5:27 pm Wednesday, January 17, 2007
By By Matthew Nascone
The Northview High School Chiefs basketball team has not had many easy games this season, but the team's 60-40 win over South Walton Friday proved what head coach Leonard White thought to be true.
"I knew we were going to win that game because we beat them by 11 at their place when we did not play that well," White said. "We did really well in the game Friday and it was a good showcase for our fans."
White said he was proud with the effort put forth in the game and his guys played the best defensive game he has seen all season.
"If they can keep playing like that we will be all right when it comes to the district tournament," White said.
The Chiefs (7-7, 2-2) played as a team in the South Walton game and White said he is feeling good about how his team is playing.
"We eliminated some of the turnovers we normally make and we are getting better on free throws," White said. "I have been working real hard with them on free throws and being in shape to finish games. And it showed out there Friday because they played well the entire game."
Nakita Myles led the team in scoring with 23 points, Vincent Longmire added 13 points and Tarus Thomas contributed 12 points, but a big key to the team's success was the defensive effort of big men John Donaldson and Tarrance Wright.
"John and Tarrance played great on defense, coming up with blocks at key points in the game," White said.
White said the game was definitely a step in the right direction.
"Overall I was proud of the way they played and they were able to come out and get the win," White said.
The Chiefs traveled to Jay for a game and the results will be in an upcoming Advance. Tomorrow marks NHS's game with East Hill and Friday the team travels to Pensacola for a district battle with Catholic and tipoff is at 6 p.m.