The William Byrd boys’ basketball team will open Region 3D play at
home Friday night. The Terriers drew Magna Vista for a first round game
beginning at 6 pm at William Byrd High School.
Byrd comes into the regional with a 12-12 record after splitting two games
in the Blue Ridge District tournament in the past week. The Terriers opened BRD
tournament play at home with a 78-69 win over Staunton River last Friday but
lost in the semifinal round at top-seeded Northside Monday, 79-43.
Friday’s win was another tough battle against the border rival Eagles.
Byrd led 33-26 at the half but Staunton River wouldn’t go away.
“Another fun game to be a part of,” said Byrd coach Brad Greenway.
“Both sides were very emotional and intense after what happened last Friday (a
close Staunton River win) and with the close proximity and playing each other the
second time in a week, there was just a lot of juice in this game. All the guys on
both teams left it all on the floor and battled.”
Isaiah Board led the Terriers with 23 points while Drew Lindsay hit six
threes and finished with 20. Israel Hairston had 16, with 13 coming in a big
second half.
“We moved the ball extremely well on offense and our shooters took over
the game,” said Greenway. “Drew Lindsay, Isaiah Board, those guys felt like they
were on fire before they stepped on the floor, and then Izzy (Hairston) joined the
party from outside. We played really efficiently on offense.”
The win set up a game with top-seeded Northside in Monday’s district
semifinal and the defending state champion Vikings jumped on top early.
Northside opened a 19-3 lead after the first quarter and then increased the margin
to 44-14 at the half.
“Obviously they are extremely talented, and we struggled to score against
their overall athleticism,” said Greenway. “I thought we handled them better and
didn’t let their press get to us, but we just had a real tough time scoring the
basketball.”
Hairston had nine points to lead Byrd, all in the third period. Lindsay and
Hayden Eads had six points each.
Byrd will put Monday’s game behind them and concentrate on Magna
Vista, who comes to town with a 7-16 record. The winner advances to a Region
3D game next Tuesday against an opponent to be determined.Te
