Wakefield Wins at the Buzzer

The Wakefield Warriors (6-8, 3-3) earned a much-needed win over Edison (9-4, 4-2) last night, defeating the Eagles in dramatic fashion, 61-59.  Deontae Murphy led the Warrior attack with 13 points, and Corey Aldrige scored 12.  The reliable guards Jon Remedios and Thomas Taylor scored 11 and 10 respectively, but the story of the game was the heroic play of Aaron Fort.  The senior backup only had three points on one shot, but it just so happened to be the game winning three-pointer as time expired.

Wakefield, as they have done so often this year, battled back from a 26-20 halftime deficit to get back in the game.  They welcomed back Aldridge, who had served a two-game suspension for a fight with Mount Vernon’s Jesse Konadu that shocked head coach Tony Bentley.

“It was really unfortunate,” Bentley said.  “They know each other well and there is no animosity.  They just got tangled up and let their emotions get the best of them.”

Aldridge, who has been having a bit of an off-year after leading the Warriors in scoring as a sophomore last year, made the most of his chance to play again with a big contribution off the bench.

“It is important for us to get Corey back into a groove,” Bentley said.  “He brings us scoring off the bench, and it is good to have him back.”

Whereas Wakefield was devastated by the three-point shot against Falls Church, losing the battle nine shots to one, they were able to outshoot Edison from behind the arc, making five to their opponents two.  Of course none of these were bigger than Fort’s game winner.  Down a point and time ticking away, both teams we scrambling for a loose ball under the basket.  Aldridge was able to get the ball and kick it out to Fort, who chucked up the shot to beat the clock, and the anxious crowd watched as it went in, nothing but net.

“It wasn’t a pretty lucky shot,” Bentley admitted.  “But Aaron knew the situation and was able to get it off before the buzzer.  He won us the game.” 

Wakefield entered the game in a three-way tie for fourth place with Washington-Lee, whom they will face this Tuesday, and Falls Church, who defeated them earlier in the week.  With this win and a two-point Washington-Lee victory over Falls Church last night, it sets the stage for Tuesday’s rivalry match between the Warriors and the Generals.  The winner will move into control of fourth place. With Wakefield’s upset of Edison, and a shocking victory by Hayfield (2-12) over powerhouse Mount Vernon, the winner will also be just one game out of second place in the district.