By Jeff Moeller, sports correspondent
Richmond Hill junior forward Alonzo Miller believed his team was hitting on all its cylinders in their 63-58 victory over host and third-seed Colquitt County in their Class 6A Region One matchup Tuesday night.
“It was just an amazing, all-around win for everybody,” exclaimed Miller. “We were taking charges, and making the extra passes. It was amazing seeing how far we have come as a unit.
“Coach (Henderson) has been telling us all season that if we buy into the Richmond Hill basketball way, we are double digits better than anybody we play. That includes attacking the paint—layups and free throws will get it done every time, not settling for jump shots down the stretch.”
Miller (10 points) played his part along with junior post player Marki Boone (team-high 21 points), as the duo was dominant in the paint in the second half. That proved to be the difference and sent the sixth-seeded Wildcats (14-12) into the regional semifinals to face top-seeded Lowndes on their home court Thursday night.
Richmond Hill head coach Bill Henderson saw a seesaw battle turn in his team’s favor when he took advantage of his team’s low-post presence in the second half.
.Drew Nudo added 13, and Josh Mock and Brandon French each chipped in with seven for Richmond Hill.
“They (Miller and Boone) scored all their points in the paint and free throw line,” stated Henderson. “ Marki did a great job attacking in space. He’s really athletic and had some nice drives in the second half.
“He (Alonzo) did a good job finishing inside and some strong attacks from the middle against their zone. We missed him on some more opportunities, and that’s something we’ll have to improve our recognition of moving forward.
“Colquitt went with a smaller lineup for most of the second half so we put an emphasis on getting the ball in the paint and attacking the rim.”
Henderson was stirred by his grit and resolve down the stretch. He has cherished the moments with his group and anticipates they can continue their ride.
“We went on a run to start the fourth and built a 12 point lead,” noted Henderson. “ We got away from what we were doing and forced some shots and passes, and they capitalized. They cut the lead to four late in the fourth, but we did enough to hang on. We knew they were never going to quit and that we would have to play to the final buzzer, which we did. I am incredibly proud of the effort of the guys and how they’ve bought into the vision and the standards of the program. They are a special group, and I am excited for them to have the opportunity to continue their season.”
Nudo, a senior, likes the current bond on his team.
“It was a great win for us, especially all the stuff we went through losing so many close games,” said Nudo. “In the second half, I tried to be more aggressive toward the rim and not fade away. I definitely feel like we are starting to click together.”
Richmond Hill will meet Lowndes (19-6) for the third time this season. The Wildcats hope this time is the charm, as they previously dropped two heartbreaking losses. Lowndes edged them, 63-60, in overtime Jan. 13, and then later slipped by, 48-46, on Feb. 10.
Henderson is self assured that his club can take the next step.
We have been preaching to the guys all year that we have to trust who we are and trust what we do,” emphasized Henderson. “ Especially this time of year when you’re seeing teams for the third time. Everyone knows personnel and offensive and defensive tendencies.
“Our focus over the last week has been continuing to improve and using adversity for growth, embracing the pressure and opportunities that we have, and playing Richmond Hill basketball and living out our values and standards. I’ve told the guys that we don’t have to do anything outside of ourselves which sometimes happens when pressure gets turned up. For the most part tonight we stayed true to who we are but there is still room for improvement.”