Published: December 02, 2008 03:51 pm      

Wildcats short-handed, but play well

By TJ Westberry



The Melody Wildcats traveled to face the Trojans of Hamilton County (4-0) fresh off a 40 point victory the night before and an 18 point victory over the Cowboys of Madison County Nov. 20 as they opened the Hamilton Pre-season Classic.

With only a seven man roster due to sickness, the Wildcats sought revenge after losing last year by 25 points to the Trojans.

The Trojans began the game on an 11-2 run on what looked like a replay of the game the year before. Laurence Whitmore’s three point basket would shift the momentum and bring the Wildcats to life. Disciplined defense slowed down the Trojans and quick scores by Whitmore, Vernon

Hampton and Shawn Jackson evened up the game. A three point basket by Antonio Fields brought the Wildcats within three points as the quarter ended 17-14.

The Wildcats played strong defense in the second quarter as Whitmore recorded three steals. They were efficient, outscoring the Trojans 22-9 with Fields hitting two more three pointers. Even though Shawn Jackson had to sit the last four minutes of the half,

Vernon Hampton grabbed five rebounds during the quarter to compensate for Jackson’s loss. The exciting half ended with the Wildcats leading 36-26 in front of a packed and rowdy Hamilton County home crowd.

In the third quarter the Trojans returned the favor by going on a run. It wasn’t until Jackson was called for his fourth foul and had to sit that they took the lead with three minutes left to play. Without his inside presence, the Trojans outscored Melody 22-11 in the third quarter.

Trailing 48-47, the Wildcats would heat back up in the fourth quarter. Fields hit his fourth three pointer, Jackson hit six out of six free throws, and Whitmore brought his game on to a new level. But with Brandon Raines and Jackson having four fouls and Hampton with three, the Wildcats had to play it safe. Raines and Whitmore recorded steals that lead to transition baskets and all looked well for Melody.

With five minutes left Jackson picked up his fifth foul on a blocking call that could have very easily been a charge. With Jackson out of the game, Fields and Whitmore picked up the load. Fields snatched five rebounds in the quarter and Whitmore two. After Hampton picked up his fourth, Raines picked up his fifth after contesting a three pointer. Hamilton missed all three free throws and held a six point lead. Whitmore sank two free throws bringing them within four points. On the next play down with 2:56 remaining, Hampton fouled out, forcing Melody to play with four players. The game apparently over, the excitement in the gym rose. Whitmore stole a pass and hit a lay-up. Hamilton then quickly hit a lay-up and Whitmore followed up with two free throws. After a Hamilton score, DeMarcus Jelks was fouled going to the basket. With a chance to bring the game within two, Jelks missed both free throws. Down four once again, Whitmore hit a big three pointer over two defenders to bring the Wildcats within one point. Hamilton scored and then Whitmore was fouled bringing him to the line. Missing the first but hitting the second they now trailed by two. On the inbounds play Jelks stole the ball and was fouled again. Down two with a chance to tie, Jelks missed the first free throw setting up an intentional miss and put-back play with 10 seconds left. Ironically Jelks hit the free throw making the game 69-68. Down one point with seven seconds left,

Hamilton traveled on the inbounds pass giving Melody the ball with three seconds left.

The desperation shot by Whitmore was blocked as he had three defenders on him. The Wildcats fought back with only four players and lost in the last seconds.

Whitmore, who played possibly his best game of his career as he scored 24 points (10 in the 4th) hitting two three’s and shooting 10 for 12 from the line, and had five steals, four assists and three rebounds. Fields hit four threes as he scored 16 points also blocking six shots and grabbing five rebounds. Despite sitting more than half of the second, third and fourth quarters, Jackson scored 12 points, hitting eight of 10 free throws, nine blocks and nine rebounds. Hampton played tough defense as he had 10 rebounds and scored six points. Raines also had six points along with four assists, three steals and three rebounds.

The 69-68 loss was a heart breaker, however, this game shows that Melody Christian Academy has arrived as a team and is ready to compete next year as they enter the Florida High School Athletic Association.

This hard fought game showed the character of the team and the potential of many of its players. Under the direction of Head Coach Mike Raines, they will only continue to get better as they have a promising future and season. Melody will host Countryside on Thursday night and Seacoast on Friday night for homecoming. Girls play at 6 p.m. and Guys at 7:30 p.m. at the Suwannee County Coliseum.