| Advertisement |
|
|
Back in 2005, Rockbridge County's boys basketball team had its first ever winning season. Just seven years later the resurgence has reached its highest point yet.
In practice, Rockbridge County runs a defensive drill called a six-point contest.
"We kind of feel like it puts us through almost every situation that we would get in the game.
It's a versatile drill, requiring you to guard a number of positions on the court," said Darrell Plogger, Rockbridge County's Head Coach.
And it's that finely tuned defense that has the Wildcats off to the best start in school history.
"Hard-nosed defense, press 24/7. And that's just what we're about," said Andrew Rowsey, a junior guard for Rockbridge.
Led by four returning starters Rockbridge has been victorious in 12 of its first 13 games. After four years in the Valley District, Rockbridge is back in the Blue Ridge, with the inside track to a district title.
"Playing together for four years and our first JV went undefeated," said Javon Cress, Rockbridge Senior Guard said. "It's basically the same people coming back, so we expected this.
Guards Andrew Rowsey and Javon Cress are best friends off the court, and an opponent's worst nightmare starting with the opening tip.
They lead an attack averaging 65 points per game, already with eight double-digit wins.
Plogger: Andrew and Javon are both capable of going for 30 any given night. And sometimes when they do it together, it's fun to watch.
Rowsey is only a junior -- a slick ball-handler with a number of Division I offers -- hoping to play in the ACC. His favorite player is Dwyane Wade and he has a similar ability to hurt you from the outside or driving the lane.
"He thinks every shot is going in," Plogger said. "And lots of times, for us fortunately they do go in. He's fun to watch. "
After back-to-back defeats in the Region semifinals, the Wildcats hope to finally break through with a trip to Richmond and a shot at a state title. Banking on the old adage defense really does win championships.