Posted on 24 January 2009 by .
by Stephen M. Lewis
DigitalSports Richmond
slewis@digitalsports.com
In the 2007-08 season, Jeri Mask was a layup line all-star.
His dunks and picture perfect jumpshot were impressive, but he never got meaningful floor time for Highland Springs.
A year later, he’s a huge contributor. Saturday afternoon he came off the bench to pour in 23 points, his jersey number, as the No. 3 Springers topped eighth-ranked Meadowbrook 60-51.
“I knew he could shoot, but I’ve never seen him get hot like that,” Meadowbrook coach Ksaan Brown said.
After a sluggish first quarter for both teams, Mask ignited the Springers, scoring 10 points in the quarter on an array of jumpshots.
But the Monarchs stayed close as Sterling Martin (13 points) and Doug Brewer (12) started finding the hole to keep the Springer lead at six, 30-24 at the break.
HS started getting its hands in passing lanes, creating many of Meadowbrook’s 17 turnovers in the third period. It enabled the Springers to hold a 42-33 lead with 3:00 to go in the third quarter.
That’s when things got interesting.
Three technical fouls were handed out in the next five minutes of game time, slowing down what was becoming a quick-paced game.
Meadowbrook took advantage of Highland Springs’ first tech, trimming the lead to 44-42 at the end of the third period.
Monarchs coach Ksaan Brown then received a technical foul after a non-foul call, as Mask knocked in two free throws for a 50-42 advantage with 6:07 left.
Only seconds later, Highland Springs point guard Xavier Parham received his second technical foul of the game, a huge blow to a Springer team already down guards Jarvis Threatt (broken left foot) and Aaron Hodnett (disciplinary).
It bolstered Meadowbrook as it slice HS’ lead to 50-48 on Brewer’s reverse finish.
But from then on Highland Springs outscored Meadowbrook 10-3 as Mask moved into more of a ballhandling role to close the door, accounting for eight of the points.
“I think in any situation is shows that Highland Springs can adapt,” Springers coach George Lancaster said. “I’ve been hard on Jeri. I think that the talent is there, so I can’t just let him go through the motions.”
Mask went through the motions in warmups last year, he’s ready to play this season, and play well.
Highland Springs 12 18 14 16 – 60
Meadowbrook 5 19 18 9 – 51
Highland Springs (14-2): Parham 3, Lewis 0, Young 17, Mask 23, Judon 2, Williams 2, Hopkins 4, Reed 9, McClaine 0. Totals: 23 14-20 60.
Meadowbrook (10-4): Martin 13, Aiken 0, Brewer 12, Davis 4, Tucker 1, Coble 7, Simmons 7, Daily 5, Denard 2. Totals: 17 14-25 51. 3-point goals: Martin 2, Coble.
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