By Brennan Waldorf
The Nandua Warriors picked up a regional victory on Monday night Jan. 27 when they defeated the Poquoson Islanders.
The game started off lopsided in Nandua’s favor after Malik Battle recorded two steals that led to a layup of his own and an assist to Gerald Pitt. The Islanders scored their first basket on a foul but Nandua went on a run and built a 14-5 lead. The Warriors’ defense did a tremendous job causing several turnovers that were converted to points throughout the quarter and game. The quarter ended with the Warriors ahead 14-9.
The second quarter saw a more settled Islander offense that sought open shooters and some low post action. Nandua opened scoring with a 3 from Pitt in the corner but Poquoson always managed to match Nandua baskets, keeping them within reach. After some basket exchanges, the Islanders got their first and only lead of the night after Justin Bradshaw buried a 3-point attempt putting them up 24-22. It would be short-lived as the Warriors AhkTavius Harmon quickly turned around and hit a 3 of his own. The half ended with Nandua up 27-24.
The second half was the beginning of the deep ball. In the third quarter, shooting picked up with both teams knocking down shots from the perimeter. Malik Battle was first to draw, knocking down a corner 3-point attempt, which was quickly answered by the Islanders Wyatt Freeman. The two teams traded several 3-pointers and the quarter concluded with Nandua ahead 44-42.
The final quarter was close with Poquoson staying on the heels of Nandua. The Islanders always managed to answer the Warriors baskets but were ultimately put out of the game when Jackson Harper fouled out with 45 seconds remaining. The Warriors took control and put the game away after a couple foul shots by Tremere Summerville, winning 63-57.
The Warriors were led by in points by Gerald Pitt who had 16 and two steals. Tremere Summerville concluded with 14 points and two steals, and AhkTavius Harmon put 12 on the board and three steals. Nandua will be back on its home court Feb. 4 for a 7 p.m. tipoff against district rival Arcadia.
