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Sports

'Visitor' South Lakes Drops District Final to Langley at Home

Seahawks stumble in second half; regional tournament ahead.

There have been some great games played by South Lakes High School in Byrd Gymnasium.

Banners hang on the walls behind the baskets celebrating all sorts of accomplishments by the Seahawks’ basketball team.

But Friday night’s game, a 64-37 loss to Langley in the championship of the Liberty District tournament, will be better off forgotten.

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It was odd in the first place to see the Seahawks playing at home, but the score under “guest” changing every time they scored.

That’s what happens when you’re the No. 3 seed. You’re the visitor in your own gym.

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As the Saxons celebrated their fourth-straight district championship with a traditional net-cutting, South Lakes senior guard Joe Daye could only shake his head.

“It’s crushing. Straight up,” he said.

Daye and his Seahawks teammates were in the game for 2.5 quarters. Then they went cold for six minutes, trailing 40-33. During that span, Langley scored 14 unanswered points, and the game was over.

“They just blew us out, that’s it,” Daye said.

Keyed by energy from senior forward Brenden Dwyer, assists by junior guard Austin Vasiliadis and smooth inside moves by senior David Adams, the Saxons took over the game. Daye’s jumper ended South Lakes' drought, but at that point the Saxons were up 54-35 with 6:40 to play.

Langley used its “spread the floor” offense to spread the wealth on offense. Vasiliadis had 16 points, tournament MVP David Adams was smooth inside and out, accounting for 14 points, and Daniel Dixon provided key buckets and finished with 11.

“We don’t rely on one person. The defense has to respect everybody on the floor. I think that’s what makes us great,” Adams said.

South Lakes managed just 13 points in the second half after a spirited second quarter, during which the Seahawks scored 17 and the Saxons 21.

“I feel like just gave up, honestly,” Daye said. “We wasn’t playing defense, we hung our heads … they’re just good. They’re a great team. I don’t know what else to say.”

Once Langley established its lead, the team executed slow-down ball to perfection. Unlike many teams which lose focus on scoring when it’s time to run down the clock, the Saxons controlled the ball, wore down the Seahawks and then found creases inside for good shots.

It also helps when the opponent starts to panic. South Lakes went into a press, but the high intensity on defense also resulted in quick, ill-advised shots on offense, according to coach Andrew Duggan.

“Quick shots (are) the downfall of any team,” he said. “We all got a little frustrated out there. We all tried to do something to get us back in the game, and the quick shot is the result of that, and that’s not the best thing for any team.”

Duggan praised Langley coach Travis Hess, who has been at the helm of the Saxons' program for six years now, earning four district title and two trips to the state tournament, for building a strong foundation.

“That’s what we’re trying to do here,” he said. “That’s what gets you championships, or at least helps you compete for them.”

Even though they lost, the Seahawks’ season is not over. Their run to the final game of the district tournament earned them a berth in the Northern Region tournament, which begins next week. South Lakes will play at home against Fall Church Monday at 7 p.m.

“To be honest with you, I just want to get out on the floor and play again – get this bad taste out of our mouths,” Duggan said.

Other Seahawk sports news:

Junior wrestler Ryan Forrest (145) won his opening and quarterfinal round matches at the VHSL AAA State wrestling tournament. He will wrestle in the semis Saturday at noon, and, if he wins, wrestle for the state title tonight. The tournament is at Robinson High School.

Forrest is now 39-0 this season.

Junior swimmer Emily Sennett is competing at the VHSL state swim meet in Virginia Beach this weekend.

South Lakes' Indoor track team members will compete in the state meet at George Mason Saturday.

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