Mount Vernon Defeats Woodbridge, 65-55

The Mount Vernon Majors rallied back in the 4th quarter after a slow start to win 65-55 against Woodbridge High School. With both teams lacking a credible inside presence, they both used their outside shooting and team rebounding to stay in the game. Even though the Majors won the rebounding total by the slight edge of 22-20, neither team has a player with more than six rebounds. The Vikings, in fact, didn't have a player with more than three, but seven players on the team had at least two. The outside shooting was remarkable for both teams, as Mount Vernon connected on eight shots from downtown, while the Vikings added six of their own.

It was a back and forth game for the first three quarters, with Woodbridge taking a five point lead after one, then entering the locker room at halftime tied at 33. In the first half, the Vikings were led by their star football players, quarterback Corey Taylor and running back Darius Parson. They combined for 11 points in the game, including a long outlet pass from an inbounds play for a layup for Parson as time expired in the 1st quarter.

Mount Vernon received significant contributions from their star senior guards. Jesse Konadu had 19 points by himself in the 1st half as well as dishing out four assists. He slashed his way into the lane and either got fouled or sank the difficult runner. Captain Dion Harris showed off an unorthodox but very effective shooting stroke by connecting on three shots from deep three-point range in the 1st half.

The momentum shifted to the Majors' side in the fourth quarter as their ball-hawking defense kept the Vikings off the scoreboard for the first five minutes of the quarter. The defense was the difference in the game as the Vikings commited over 20 turnovers and the Majors made them pay with many easy baskets off the turnovers. Junior guard, Michael Lewis, led all players with 6 steals, flashing his quick hands and vision to jump the passing lanes. Konadu and Harris continued to dominate for the Majors with Konadu finishing with 32 points and 6 assists while Harris added 20 points, most coming from his five three-pointers. 

As for the Vikings, they were led in scoring by junior guard, Yapheth Emiru, who totaled 15 points including three three-pointers. Parson added in nine himself while Barbo Kargbo, a senior small forward, contributed 10 off the bench. Add it all up, and it wasn't enough for the Vikings. They blow a one point lead going into the fourth quarter, and were outscored by 11 points in that period alone. They lose by the final score of 65-55.

Mount Vernon looks to add to their win total when they face off against the Generals of Washington-Lee on Friday at home. Meanwhile, the Vikings are on the road tomorrow against St. Stephens & St. Agnes in Alexandria.