With how many scoring weapons that Howard has, it almost seems unfair that they also have the tournaments MVP Chris Deloney in the center of their potent offense. In Friday nights 62-51 win over Ooltewah, the Hustlin Tigers spent much of the third quarter without Deloney, and showed how tough they really are.
The one on one subplot between Deloney and Ooltewah's Sammy Seamster became undeniably visible within the first few moments of the game. Seamster's defensive presence in the paint coupled with teammate Jason Jenkins height created some early troubles for the Tigers, but Deloney and company kept on pounding it in.
"I told them that these guys were taller, and they were going to block some shots," said Howard coach Walter McGary. "I told them not to quit, though."
The Tigers relentlessly drove to the basket and earned their way to the foul line despite the onslaught of blocks from Seamster and Jenkins. Geyner Espy drove to the basket numerous times, and though he didn't convert on several of his attempts, opened up other scoring opportunities for the Tigers including a non conventional slue of three pointers, which isn't Howard's normal game.
"I tell them that teams are going to pack it in on us because they know that's our game," said McGary. I told them 'don't panic', and that they can shoot out there."
Calvin Ross buried three 3-pointers in the first half, and Jahron Reynolds got involved with a couple of his own. Both players ended up in double digits scoring.
At halftime Howard found themselves with a two point lead in a game that could have gone either direction. Early on the third quarter, Seamster picked up his 3rd foul which gave the Tigers an opportunity to jump ahead on the Owls. Howard made the lead as big as 10 at one point in the third, but the sharpshooter Isaiah Swanson brought the Owl's back in with two of his four triples of the night.
In the fourth quarter there were several lead changes early on as Jason Jenkins got the offense going for the Owls, scoring 11 of his 13 points in the second half. It was Howard's defense, though, that sealed the victory for the Tigers. In the last couple minutes, Howard almost did not even allow a shot from the Owls behind defensive pressure from Jahron Reynolds and Reggie Hemphill.
"When we're scrambling we're pretty good," said McGary. "Defensive pressure wins games."
The Tigers put a nail in the coffin with only a few seconds remaining as Reggie Hemphill brought his last steal coast to coast for a punishing slam as the buzzer ran out.
Hemphill, who saw plenty of playing time in Deloney's absence, scored 8 points on the night.
"He gave us a spark when we began to lose it," said McGary.
Chris Deloney earned the title of tournament MVP after the game. He scored 15 points in the championship, and shot nearly perfect from the free throw line.
"I've had him since he was a middle schooler," said McGary. "He's got the heart of a tiger. He kept going. Champions are the one's who fight through the adversity."
Deloney gives the rest of his team credit for the championship and the title.
"My coaches always push us to the limit," said Deloney. "Everybody has to click. When they do, it just leaves more options for us. Every game we come in with a chip on our shoulder and ready to go."
Howard's Chris Deloney, Geyner Espy, Calvin Ross, and Jahron Reynolds were all named to the all tournament team. Ooltewah's Jarome Montgomery, Sammy Seamster, and Edward Stoutamire made the team as well. The only non championship members on the team were Baylor's Zane Gibson and Jordan Clark.
Howard 13...14...18...17...62
Ooltewah 14...11...12...14...51
Howard (62): Deloney (15), Ross (13), Reynolds (11), Hemphill (8), Espy (7), Jones (2), Young (2), Griffin (2), Dupress (2)
Ooltewah (51): Swanson (14), Jenkins (13), Seamster (9), Montgomery (9), Stoutamire (6)
Baylor finished off McMinn Central in the consolation game of the tournament 64-49, claiming third place overall.
Zane Gibson and Jordan Clark scored 22 points apiece in the game. Both Gibson and Clark were named to the all tournament team.
Baylor
Gibson (22), Clark (22), Cash (9), Thoni (6), Murray (3), Martin (2)
McMinn
Coleman (7), Simpson (7), Harper (7), Moses (7), Rayburn (7), Moss (6), Harrison (6), Ragland (2)