Springers overcome selves, advance to State Championship Game
Highland Springs beats Freedom High 66-57, face GW-Danville for Crown

By Stephen M. Lewis
Richmond Times-Dispatch
Game played March 7, 2007

A reporter asked Highland Springs coach George Lancaster about his team's singing before every contest.

"This is my worst singing group," a grinning Lancaster quipped. "They're not going to major in music."

But they may major in determination, clutch shooting and leadership, as the Springers held off a game Freedom of Woodbridge team 66-57 to advance to Saturday's 5 p.m. state Group AAA final against Booker T. Washington or George Washington-Danville.

The lead changed hands 16 times before Highland Springs gained a permanent grip on Brandon Rozzell's second consecutive 3-pointer with 3:51 left in the contest for a 55-53 lead.

Rozzell finished with 16 points, 12 in the deciding quarter as the Springers (27-2) won a free throw shooting contest down the stretch to increase the lead and let the Springers faithful exhale.

"We are very excited about the opportunity to play in the final on Saturday," said Lancaster, looking for his second state crown to go with his 2003 prize. "I'm going to cherish and relish this opportunity."

The Eagles (21-6) looked to take the opportunity in the first half, crashing the offensive boards (11 of their 20 in the first half) and getting terrific outside shooting from senior point guard Jaren Haley. He knocked in 14 of his game-high 24 points in the first half.

"That's one of our focuses, boxing out and rebounding," Freedom coach Ahmad Dorsett said. "I think that kept us in the game a little bit because we weren't hitting our shots."

Jamar Abrams carried the Springers (27-2) in the first half with 16 of his team-high 22 points as the Springers held a 29-27 halftime lead despite shooting 3 of 13 from behind the 3-point arc, a Springers staple.

The East Carolina-bound forward was saddled with three fouls as the Springers limped to a 10-point third quarter, its lowest of the contest.

Freedom star Cameron Long got warmed up in the third quarter, scoring seven points, including a tough layup for Freedom's 40-39 lead going into the fourth quarter.

The George Mason-signee scored eight points for the game on 3-for-17 shooting. The Eagles shot 27 percent overall and benefited from Abrams' absence in the third quarter.

"Cameron is an outstanding player that probably didn't have his best game [yesterday]," Lancaster said. "When he's not shooting, he's penetrating well."

Long (four assists) found Haley on a drive-and-dish for a 3-pointer to tie the contest at 43 with 7:04 to go.

Abrams followed with a layup, and Rozzell hit a runner to go up four, until Haley hit another trey and swished two free throws to take back the lead, 48-47.

"Jaren Haley didn't surprise anybody," Lancaster said. "I marveled at his play."

Said a dejected Haley: "I just wasn't trying to lose the game. I wanted to go to the championship."

So did Rozzell, who hit the aforementioned 3-pointers to put Freedom on its heels.

"We just have to keep shooting. Shooters shoot," Abrams said. "We want to go to college with a ring."

Said Rozzell: "The first half, Jamar Abrams carried us. That's what seniors do. All 12 of our coaches told us to keep shooting. Now we've got one more goal. One more step to take."

Freedom ---------------------16 11 13 17 -- 57
Highland Springs --------- 13 16 10 27 -- 66

Freedom (21-6): Haley 24, Rose 2, Long 8, Velez 5, Hayes 4, Young 0, Wing 0, Davis 4, McLilly 10. Totals: 17 16-22 57. 3-point goals: Haley 4, McLilly 2, Long.

Highland Springs (27-2): Abrams 22, Briggs 7, Rozzell 16, Threatt 10, Purnell 5, Daniel 6, Hilliard 0, Anderson 0. Totals: 20 21-25 66. 3-point goals: Abrams 2, Rozzell 2, Threatt.

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Springers save the PRESS for last!
Trailing in fourth, Highland Springs unleashes zone trap press, defeats Nansemond in State Quarterfinal 83-68

By Arthur Utley
Richmond Times-Dispatch
Game played March 3, 2007

Highland Springs coach George Lancaster calls senior Brandon Rozzell "Mr. Reliable."

Rozzell, the Central Region player of the year, lived up to his handle last night in a Virginia High School League Group AAA basketball tournament quarterfinal at Hanover High.

A packed crowd of 3,000 watched Rozzell knock down seven 3-pointers and score 32 points to lead the Central Region champion Springers to an 83-68 victory over Eastern Region runner-up Nansemond River.

The Springers, state champions in 2003, advanced to Wednesday's 3:30 p.m. semifinal at VCU Siegel Center against Freedom High of Woodbridge.

"He's daring, but he's intelligent," Lancaster said of Rozzell, who had a quiet third quarter when the Springers went more than four minutes without a field goal and the Warriors took their first lead of the game on a follow shot with 1:35 remaining in the quarter.

Highland Springs, who has pounded teams all season, found itself in an unusual game situation: behind 55-53 going into the final eight minutes.

Rozzell, who has signed with VCU, "got a little bit of rest and he's hard to guard," Lancaster said. "He not only can shoot, but he can penetrate and he does a lot of things with the basketball."

The Springers regained the lead, 59-57, on Rozell's fifth 3-pointer. After the Warriors' Nick Wright tied the game, Jay Threatt put the Springers up for good, 63-60, with a free throw and a 3-pointer. Rozzell followed with another three, and the Springers were off to scoring 30 points in the final quarter. Rozzell had 16 points in the quarter on three 3-pointers, two dunks and three free throws.

"They are a very good team, and you expect a good team to make a run or two or three, we were composed and didn't let panic into the game at all," Lancaster said.

Said Rozzell, "Great chemistry helped us execute in the stretch. Good teams finish in the clutch."

Joining Rozzell in double figures was Jamar Abrams with 24 points and Threatt with 15.

Both teams started out hot from the floor. The first four field goals, two each, were 3-pointers. The Springers rebounded better than the Warriors and got some second chance points that pushed them to a 38-34 lead at halftime.

The Warriors put four players in double figures: Wright with 16, Brown, who hit four 3-pointers, with 14, Andre Jones (13) and Quinton McDuffie (11).

"We didn't execute our defense like we're supposed to," Nansemond River coach Ed Young said. "We know they have shooters. Mistakes killed us. You can't give a good team opportunities."

The Warriors finished the season 25-3. Twelve of the 15 players return.

"Next year is their year," Lancaster said. "We were there last year (two-point loss in quarterfinals) with juniors."

Nansemond River --------------- 15 19 21 13 -- 68
Highland Springs ---------------- 25 15 15 30 -- 83

Nansemond River (25-3): Newsome 2, Jones 13, Brown 14, McDuffie 11, Wright 16, Babb 0, Wallace 2, Mason 0, Hart 0, Parker 0, Pierce 4, Watters 0, Porter 6. Totals: 27 3-8 68. 3-point goals: Brown 4, Porter 2, Jones.

Highland Springs (27-2): Daniel 1, Threatt 15, Anderson 0, DeBerry 0, Mills 0, Abrams 24, Briggs 11, Rozzell 32, Purnell 0. Totals: 26 20-33 83. 3-point goals: Rozzell 7, Abrams 2, Threatt 2.

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Springers advance to Region Final
Highland Springs beats Huguenot 77-63, faces Petersburg for Crown

By Dave Lawrence
Richmond Times-Dispatch
Game played February 23, 2007

Huguenot accomplished what few teams have managed to do lately -- make Highland Springs look vulnerable.

But the Springers rebounded from a nearly six-minute scoreless swoon during the third and fourth quarters of their Central Region boys basketball semifinal at the Siegel Center last night, hanging on for a 77-63 victory and earning at least a berth in the VHSL Group AAA state tournament..

They next face Petersburg, a 63-61 overtime winner over Mills Godwin in the other semifinal, for the Central Region championship Monday at 8 p.m. at the Siegel Center.

The Springers (25-2), ranked No. 2 in The T-D Top 10 Prep Poll, have dominated opponents, winning by an average of 41 points. (Their only two losses were to Benedictine, both by two points.) The No. 4 Falcons (19-6) were not intimidated, even though they trailed by 31 at the beginning of the third quarter. Huguenot closed to 73-63 with 47 seconds to go before Highland Springs finally edged away.

"We're not satisfied," said Highland Springs coach George Lancaster. "We're not mad, but we're not satisfied."

Lancaster was grateful that his team earned an extension to its season.

"We're keen to be back. We look forward to Monday," Lancaster said. "We get a day of practice and a day of rest. After looking at the second half, we need a day of practice."

Most of the Falcons were not fully appreciative of the fact that they put the Springers through one of their toughest trials this season.

"I think with the kind of season that we had, I would have hated to end it by getting hammered," Huguenot coach Antone Exum said. "I think about the psyche of the kids that are coming back, I am concerned about that. . . . I'm just not sure if I prepared them enough for what they were going to see."

It appears he did prepare them, though. Down 42-14 at halftime, the Falcons did not fold and came close to ending the Springers' season.

"I really give all the credit to those kids," Exum said. "I came in [at halftime] and said a few Sunday school words to them. They heard and took them to heart. . . . I'm very, very proud of them."

Huguenot ------------------------- 8 6 20 29 -- 63
Highland Springs ---------------- 16 26 13 22 -- 77

Huguenot (19-6): Berkley 10, Da. Brown 6, Nero 18, Burke 0, Grant 11, De. Brown 0, Sheppard 0, Mickle 0, King 4, Scipio 14, Tucker 0. Totals: 23 11-19 63. 3-point goals: Berkley 2, Scipio 2, Da. Brown, Nero.

Highland Springs (25-2): Threatt 13, Abrams 12, Briggs 22, Rozzell 20, Purnell 3, Daniel 5, Anderson 2, Winfield 0, Hilliard 0. Totals: 28 17-23 77. 3-point goals: Rozzell 3, Abrams.

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Springers dunk Knights by 20, advance to Region Semis
Highland Springs "buzzsaw" cuts up Thomas Dale

By Steven M. Lewis
Richmond Times-Dispatch
Game played February 20, 2007

The buzzer sounded to start the second half, and the Highland Springs buzzsaw started with it.

And it was as sharp as ever as the Springers extended a 13-point halftime lead to 27 with 1:30 left in the third period. The No. 2 team in the final T-D 10 Prep Poll went on to an 86-66 victory over sixth-ranked Thomas Dale last night in the Central Region quarterfinals.

The triumph gave the Springers (24-2) a 6 p.m. date in the semifinals with Huguenot on Friday at VCU's Siegel Center. That game's winner will qualify for the state Group AAA tournament.

"Maybe getting beat by 20 points by them is not a bad thing," said Knights coach Eddie Goss, who swallowed his second straight region quarterfinal loss to the Springers. "You've got to play the good teams sometime. They proved to us tonight how good they are. They're really good. They should go a long way."

It started in the first period as Brandon Rozzell (game-high 22 points) and Jay Threatt (17 points) came out blazing, scoring 18 of Highland Springs' 22 points for a nine-point advantage.

Dale stayed close and crept to four midway through the second period on a layup by inside stalwart Malcolm Piggott (11 points).

With numerous inside forces saddled with foul trouble, Springers coach George Lancaster brought Chris Hilliard off of his conveyer belt of a bench.

The 6-4 junior scored seven of his 11 points in the period, blocked a couple of Dale offerings and was a force on the glass as the Springers went into the break up 42-29. Harry Lee Daniel, another reserve, nailed two treys in that time frame as well.

"Coach told me it was my time," Hilliard said. "I just went in there and took it. I just wanted to make a spark for my team . . . so we could boost the lead up."

The team got a boost from Hilliard, then was shot out of a cannon by Jamar Abrams (17 points, four treys). The 6-5 senior had two points in the first half, then went off for 11 in the third period, including three straight 3-point bombs.

Threatt followed Abrams' last trey with one from the top of the key. Then Rozzell stole a Piggott pass and raced to the other end finishing over two trailing Dale players with a Statue-of-Liberty dunk for the aforementioned 27-point advantage.

"Our offense is actually predicated on our defense," Lancaster said. "Even though we make the 3-point shots, it's created by transition."

The lead grew to 32 points before the Knights (18-8) started raining in 3-pointers down the stretch. Braxton Byerson, who was in foul trouble all night, led the Knights with 16 points. Jay Johnson added 10.

"It's like I've got a busload of players and I'm sitting over here riding shotgun," said Lancaster, using his patented hand gestures and movements to display his points. "If one gets tired, we say, 'Here, it's your turn to drive.' I just want to make a long trip of it."

Thomas Dale ------------------------- 13 16 13 24 -- 66
Highland Springs -------------------- 22 20 23 21 -- 86

Thomas Dale (18-8): Piggott 11, Perry 6, Byerson 16, McClenny 5, Brockwell 0, McGraw 7, Bailey 4, James 5, Johnson 10, Goad 2. Totals: 17 24-32 66. 3-point goals: Byerson 2, Perry 2, McGraw 2, McClenny, James

Highland Springs (23-2): Daniel 6, Threatt 17, Anderson 4, Winfield 2, Mills 0, Abrams 17, Briggs 2, Hill 0, Rozzell 22, Holleman 2, Smith 0, Purnell 3, Hilliard 11. Totals: 32 11-18 86. 3-point goals: Threatt 4, Abrams 4, Daniel 2, Rozzell

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Springers live up to top billing, down Chiefs
Highland Springs rolls in 2nd, 4th quarters, beats Monacan 82-49

Game played February 19, 2007

Highland Springs, top-ranked in the Central Region and tied for first in the Associated Press Virginia AAA poll, shook off a so-so first quarter to drub Monacan 82-49.

Brandon Rozzell scored seven of his 24 points in the second quarter, as the Springers pulled away from the Chiefs with a 23-7 second quarter. Jay Threatt (five steals) netted 11 points for Highland Springs. Harry Lee Daniel and Jamar Abrams contributed 10 apiece, and Ketron Anderson scored six of his eight in the second quarter.

The Springers (now 23-2 on the season) made certain the game would not get close again by outscoring the Chiefs 27-11 in the fourth quarter.

Highland Springs moves on to a second round game Tuesday, Feb. 20. The Springers will host Thomas Dale, winner of the Central District tournament, at 7pm at Grant Hudson Gym.

Monacan ---------------------- 13 7 18 11 - 49
Highland Springs ----------- 13 23 19 27 - 82

Monacan (12-13): Rannals 7, Green 0, Hughes 0, Ficklin 0, Williams 16, Davis 0, Dortch 0, Brothers 16, Roberson 0, Gibson 3, Stemmle 6, Manwaring 0, Patterson 1. Totals: 17 10-16 49. 3-point goals: Williams, Brothers, Rannals.

Highland Springs (23-2): Daniel 10, Threatt 11, Anderson 8, Winfield 2, Mills 2, Abrams 10, Briggs 6, Rozzell 24, Holleman 3, Hilliard 0, Purnell 2, Harrison 4. Totals: 31 13-15 82. 3-point goals: Rozzell 4, Abrams, Threatt, Holleman.

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Slow start dooms Springer Girls
Season ends with Regional loss

Game played February 19, 2007

Monacan put the clamps on the Highland Springs girls basketball team in the first quarter, and the Springers never recovered in a 71-46 Central Region tournament loss.

With regular scorers Kyra Coleman and Tamika Ross held well below their averages, only Megan McRae was able to score in double figures (12).

The girls of Highland Springs had their best season in years (13 wins, 12 losses) and welcome members of their junior varsity (only 3 losses) next year.

Highland Springs ----- 2 13 19 12 - 46
Monacan ----------------17 21 13 20 - 71

Highland Springs (13-12) : Coleman 8, Harris 0, Hunter 0, McRae 12, Ross 5, Taylor 9, Timmons 3, Hester 0, Jones 5, McCuluough 4, Halt 0. Totals: 19 6-17 46. 3-point goals: Taylor 2.

Monacan (21-4) : Gray 10, Ready 2, Starr 8, Meyer 0, K. Keys 3, L. Keys 0, Saunders 22, Toombs 0, Beadles 0, Stemmle 0, Silas 14, Robinson 6, Eberly 0, Warren 6, Pullen 0. Totals: 28 8-16 71. 3-point goals: Saunders 4, K. Keys, Starr, Gray.

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Springers beat Devils by 49, win Capital District Tournament !
Rozzell named Player Of The Year, team cracks 100-point mark for the eighth time this season

Game played February 16, 2007

Highland Springs wiped out Varina 101-52 Friday night to win the Capital District Tournament. The Springers added the championship to their regular-season crown.

FOUR Springers were named to the All-District team, led by Player Of The Year Brandon Rozzell. Jamar Abrams, Jay Threatt and Harry Lee Daniel were also on the 6-man team named at game's end. (Rozzell has already signed with VCU - Abrams signed with East Carolina).

With Rozzell hitting four 3-pointers (one from WAY outside the 3-point line) and 6'7" Omar Briggs (23 points) establishing control of the middle, the Springers bounced back from a ragged start to simply wear down a Varina team (coached by Steve Hudson, son of legendary HS Coach Grant Hudson) that upset 2nd-seeded Henrico in the semi-finals.

After the win, Highland Springs coach George Lancaster was already looking toward the challenge of taking the Central Region tourney.

"The win is not as important as just playing consistently, and this is the best time to play consistent basketball: tournament time," he said.

Highland Springs, now 22-2, advances to the Central Region tournament with a home game against Monacan Monday, February 19.

Varina ------------------------- 12 12 14 14 -- 52
Highland Springs ---------- 26 18 30 27 -- 101

Varina (13-12) -- Martin 2, Patterson 3, Gaskins 6, King 4, Harrison 0, Martin 8, Dowling 7, Underwood 5, Smith 0, Upshaw 12, Rhodes 1, Branch 0, Smith 4. Totals: 17 16-27 52. 3-point goals: Patterson, Martin.

Highland Springs (22-2) -- Daniel 5, Threatt 12, Anderson 2, DeBerry 3, Winfield 4, Mills 0, Abrams 17, Briggs 23, Hubbard 2, Hill 0, Rozzell 21, Holleman 2, Harrison 0, Smith 3, Purnell 6, Hilliard 1. Totals: 32 31-42 101. 3-point goals: Rozzell 4, Threatt 2.

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Springers deliver Valentine's Day Massacre 95-33
Armstrong destroyed by 62 points

Game played February 14, 2007

Brandon Rozzell scored a game-high 25 points to lead top-seeded Highland Springs - No. 2 in The T-D 10 Prep Poll - to a victory over No. 4 Armstrong in the semi-finals of the Capital District Tournament.

"We went to a man-to-man defense in the second quarter and were pretty much able to shut them down," Springers assistant coach Cravelyn Williams said.

Jay Threatt was an overall factor for Highland Springs with 19 points, seven steals, seven assists and five rebounds. Harry Lee Daniel added 10 points for the Springers.

The Springers will face Varina for the tournament championship at Varina Friday, February 16th at 8pm.

Armstrong -------------------- 12 2 9 10 - 33
Highland Springs ----------- 22 23 24 26 - 95

Armstrong (8-13 ): Lewis 4, Adkins 0, Taylor 6, Benjamin 6, Johnson 2, Christian 6, Davis 4, Bolling 0, Winston 0, Battle 3, Robinson 0, Wilson 1, Chavis 1. Totals: 12 8-23 33. 3-point goals: Lewis.

Highland Springs (20-2 ): Daniel 10, Threatt 19, Anderson 6, DeBerry 1, Winfield 8, Mills 3, Abrams 7, Briggs 0, Hubbard 0, Hill 0, Rozzell 25, Holleman 6, Hilliard 4, Purnell 2, Harrison 2, Smith 2. Totals: 35 16-26 95. 3-point goals: Rozzell 5, Threatt 2, Mills, Abrams.

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Springers beat Armstrong again
Rose and Coleman come up big in Capital District tourney

Game played February 13, 2007

Dashion Ross scored a game-high 21 points and grabbed 10 rebounds as the third-seeded Springers dominated the 6th-seeded Wildcats.

Kyra Coleman added 16 points and four steals for for the Springers (13-10).

The Springers advance to the Capital District semi-finals against Hanover Thursday night at 7:45.

Armstrong ----------------- 7 13 9 9 -- 38
Highland Springs ----- 11 18 18 22 -- 69

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Springers pound Armstrong 88-43
Girls led by Ross, Jones and Hunter

Game played February 9, 2007

Highland Springs rode a 53-point second half -- holding Armstrong to 15 after the break -- to pick up a Capital District win over the Wildcats. Kyra Coleman led the Springers with 19 points and eight rebounds, and three other players scored in double figures: Dashon Ross (13), Marquia Jones (11) and Shameka Hunter (10). As a team, Highland Springs had 24 assists. Makeesha Cash had a game-high 20 points for Armstrong.

Armstrong -------------- 16 12 9 6 -- 43
Highland Springs ----- 16 19 29 24 -- 88

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Springers put out the 'Cats 81-51
Brandon Rozzell has 30th 30-point game

Game played February 9, 2007

Brandon Rozzell made five 3-pointers in a 17-point third-quarter barrage that took him over 1,000 points for his career leading the Springers to a Capital District win over the Wildcats.

Rozzell finished with 31 points for his 30th 30-point game of his career. Jamar Abrams chipped in with 18 points for district-leading Highland Springs. Zack Benjamin paced Armstrong with 17 points.

Highland Springs -------------- 18 19 26 18 -- 81
Armstrong ------------------------- 9 16 20 6 -- 51

Highland Springs (12-0 Capital, 19-2): Daniel 2, Threatt 4, Winfield 0, Mills 9, Abrams 18, Briggs 4, Hill 0, Rozzell 31, Holleman 2, Hilliard 2, Purnell 9. Totals: 31 9-20 81. 3-point goals: Rozzell 5, Abrams 3, Mills 2.
Armstrong (5-7, 7-12): Adkins 8, Taylor 8, Benjamin 17, Johnson 2, Christian 8, Davis 8, Battle 0, Wilson 0. Totals: 21 8-16 51. 3-point goal: Christian. JV: Highland Springs 76-72

JV: Highland Springs 76-72

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Strong second half carries Springer Girls
Highland Springs defeats Henrico 66-58

Game played February 2, 2007

Kyra Coleman, Shandell Taylor and Dashon Ross scored all of the Springers' points in a Capital District win over the visiting Warriors.

After falling behind by 10 in the first half, Highland Springs turned on the pressure defense and took the lead with fewer than two minutes gone in the second half. Ross added 10 rebounds to her performance.

Henrico ------------------------- 15 14 16 13 - 58
Highland Springs ----------10 9 23 24 - 66

Henrico (6-5 Capital, 9-11) : Ellerbe 0, Hendrick 2, Allen 13, Cox 17, E. Derricott 17, Lowry 1, Washington 6, Terry 2. Totals: 23 8-12 58. 3-point goals: Cox 3, Washington.
Highland Springs (6-5, 11-9) : Coleman 27, Harris 0, Hunter 0, McRae 0, Ross 17, Taylor 22, Timmons 0, Hester 0, Williams 0, Jones 0. Totals: 24 16-25 66. 3-point goals: Taylor 2.

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