Blue Devils late run defeathers Falcons
~February 8, 2008~Boys
By Michael Orr

Left: Dreher's Case Stiglbauer looks to score inside as A.C. Flora's Rob Brown tries to defend. Top right: A.C. Flora's Dominique Hollins drives to the basket. Bottom Right: Dreher's Kenneth Joyner elevates for a pass over A.C. Flora's Dominique Hollins. Photos by Morgen Orr

With a state playoff spot on the line, hosting their biggest rival and honoring their seniors on senior night, Dreher entered their February 8 finale against A.C. Flora with a host of challenges. Seniors Case Stiglbauer and Kenneth Joyner led four Blue Devils in double figure scoring giving Dreher a season sweep against the Falcons and securing a spot in the 2008 3A state tournament.

Joyner opened the game with a thunderous dunk off of the opening tip, firing up the overflow crowd. Each team started the game playing very well with Joyner and Stiglbauer doing early damage for the Blue Devils. The Dreher size advantage was nearly overwhelming as the home team dumped the ball inside often and grabbed nearly every available rebound. But the Falcons attacked the Dreher zone behind the inspired guard play of Khvan Pennix and Lamont Todd. Dreher finished the first quarter ahead by one, 18- 17.

Due to two early fouls on Rob Brown, A.C. Flora was forced into a small lineup and a zone defense to defend the powerful Blue Devils. Yet Dreher continued to pound inside with Stiglbauer and Sylvester McCrae accounting for 13 of their team's 23 points in the quarter. Flora's Dominique Hollins found his shot in the second quarter, adding six points for his team, keeping the Falcons afloat amid the barrage of Blue Devils baskets. Dreher led 41- 32 at halftime and appeared to be out of reach of their rivals.

Marquel Goodman controlled the third quarter for Dreher with high- speed fast breaks and controlled offensive possessions. Scoring six points and adding several assists, Goodman kept the Blue Devils safely ahead for most of the third quarter. Meanwhile, Todd kept the Falcons' energy high despite difficulties in catching up with Dreher. Flora found an offensive balance that would propel them into the fourth quarter and back into contention.

Goodman took the inbounds pass to start the fourth quarter, streaked down the middle of the court and elevated for a soaring dunk. Trailing by 12, A.C. Flora charged back into the game. Pennix and Todd led a 10- 0 run over the next four and a half minutes to bring the Falcons to 61- 59 with 5:08 left in the game. But the energy needed to track down the Blue Devils was more than the Falcons could spare as Dreher responded with a 9- 0 run of its own. The Falcons played hard in the game's latter minutes but were unable to connect on any shots the rest of the game. Stiglbauer reasserted himself in the game's deciding possessions and Dreher escaped with a 74- 62 victory.

All seniors, Stiglbauer scored 19, Joyner added 15, McCrae scored 13 and Goodman 11 to lead the Blue Devils. Pennix's 17 points paced Flora.Note: Dreher was eliminated from the playoffs Tuesday, February 12 falling 81- 54 to Greenville.