By Kyle Parmley
PINSON — Shades Valley poured in nine makes from 3-point range on the way to a 78-60 victory over Pinson Valley at Mike Dutton Gymnasium on Friday night.
The barrage of 3-pointers hurt the Indians the most in the first and third quarters, as Shades Valley came out strong to start and hot out of the halftime break.
Pinson Valley’s 3-point specialist and team captain Cordarius Reese — who knocked in two long shots of his own — felt that the shots quit falling in the second half, allowing the Mounties to take a lead too large to come back from. He also thought he failed at his most important responsibility.
“My main goal as the captain is trying to get our guys ready to play. I’ve just got to do a better job,” Reese said.
Marcus Gilbert and eighth-grader Trendon Watford each scored 17 points for the Mounties. Watford, brother of former Shades Valley and Indiana star Christian Watford, towered over everyone as he already stands at 6-feet, 7-inches tall. He also had the highlight of the night when he received a pass from the top of the key and slammed it home with authority.
Donevan Waldrop was the best player on the floor for the Indians much of the night, getting to the free throw stripe with regularity and making key passes that led to easy buckets. He finished the game 15 points and three assists.
Reese wrapped up his evening with 11 points, and thinks the team is starting to figure some things out.
“We’re working on getting everybody to know their personnel roles so we can work better as a team,” he said.
The Indians return to the floor Tuesday evening, as they take to the road to play at Briarwood Christian.