Cougars Clash with Defending State Champs, Emerge With Confidence Intact
By Peter Brewington
Jordan Sugars is now a U.S. Naval Academy Midshipman, waking up before the sunrise to endure one of most stressful and taxing academic environments anywhere.
Erick Green transferred to Paul VI in Fairfax. – a superstar guard bound for Virgina Tech on a scholarship this fall.
Two headliners that helped Millbrook capture the Group AA boys basketball state title last March no longer wear the baby blue of the Pioneers, but twins Calvin and Clayton Rodney remain to help Millbrook blaze the trail atop the Northwestern District.
Millbrook made a pit stop in Nokesville last Friday, where they romped to a 69-54 win over Kettle Run. The Rodney brothers proved a reliable tag team, scoring 21 and 20 points, respectively.
Using the defending state champs as a measuring stick, though, it was a encouraging effort by Kettle Run.
Coach Troy Washington's Cougars (2-9) led much of the first quarter, and showed remarkable determination and enthusiasm in the fourth quarter when the hosts reduced a 23-point deficit to 14 thanks to scoring from Connor Massei, Jimmy Hargo and Spencer Carter.
“I thought overall we played hard, which was a real contrast to the Warren County game where we did not bring the energy and passion,” said Washington, referencing a recent loss
The game reinforced the view that the Cougars have one of the top players in the district in Massei. The lean 5-foot-11 junior guard produced another smooth, classy effort, as he handled the ball with skill and confidence and buried jumpers when he was open. Massei finished with 19 points and made an admirer out of Millbrook coach Scott Mankins.
“He’ll probably get some votes for first team all-district,” Mankins said. “Connor is in the upper echelon of players in the district.”
Besides Massei two other Cougars caught Mankins’ eye: guard Spencer Carter and 6-foot-4 forward Jimmy Hargro. “Those three could step in and contribute to any team in the district,” Mankins said, admiringly.
Hargro was a bundle of energy around the basket, and used his length and jumping skills to score nine points...
See the Wednesday print edition of the Fauquier Times-Democrat for the complete story.