HHS Streaks defeat TA Knights 78-34 on Senior Night
Feb. 11, the varsity boys basketball team took on the Turner Ashby Knights and won 78-34. The game was also senior night, where the seniors on the basketball and indoor track teams were recognized. After a back-and-forth first quarter, the Streaks pulled ahead during the remainder of the game.The Streaks’ defense was key to this success, according to Coach Burgess, accounting for numerous steals and blocked passes.
“I thought that the team was very unselfish. [They] came out and played very well defensively, and our defense allowed us to get a few deflections which lead to steals. Then the steals lead to some transition baskets and any time you can get some early transition baskets, it helps with confidence. The energy from the defense was contagious and, as a whole, that allowed us to have more success on offense,” Burgess said.
After this week, the Streaks move into the postseason, where they will take on Spotswood Feb. 17 for the semifinals of the Valley District tournament. The district champions game will then be on Feb. 19. Following that week, the team will enter the 5A regional playoffs.
“As we move into the postseason play, it’s a new season. Records go out the window, and it’s up to these guys to have energy and produce effort on the defensive end. On the offensive end, we have to do the little things to be successful. If we do those little things to be successful, such as rebounding, block out, our defensive rotation, then we have an opportunity to advance throughout the play-offs,” Burgess said.
Having a veteran team with eight seniors has impacted the Streaks’ season dramatically, Burgess added, by allowing any member on the team to step up to any challenge a game might present. However, he also finds it sad to know that they won’t be playing for HHS after this season.
“Their last season, [is] always bittersweet. You’re excited for them to begin their next chapter, but you’re also sad for them because you know it’s they’re last time wearing a Harrisonburg High School jersey and representing the high school and community. I am very excited for them as they begin the next chapter. I am proud of the way that they have handled themselves on the basketball court, and most importantly, in the community as role models,” Burgess said.
