Knights ride through Miller to Petersburg

Ron Bailey, Publisher

O'Connell stormed through Miller, now in VISAA semis.

February 28, 2012 - Last night, Bishop O’Connell dispatched Miller School fairly easily in Virginia Independent School Athletic Association tournament play, earning a convincing 89-54 home win. The game was never in question.

Propelling the Knights to their early 15-7 lead that reached 24-9 at first quarter’s end and 46-17 during intermission, was simply, defense. During this time, O’Connell employed a man to man scheme, one featuring a strong on ball component and another facet, revealed by head coach Joe Wootten shouting “Deny. Deny”; the Knights were also denying off ball, or overplaying, attempting to make any pass from the ball handler extremely difficult.

Leroy Butts IV was deadly from mid-range last night.

Expectantly (there is also some self-blame when getting blown out) Miller played a role in its own demise, including failing to find it’s All-American candidate Isaac Copeland consistently, particularly in pick and roll/pop situations. Unfortunately its guards decided to attack the tin as opposed to finding it’s best player, who on switches found himself being guarded by smaller players at times.

Of not receiving the ball as commonly expected, Copeland, a 6’9” junior forward, diplomatically said afterward “I just keep playing and don’t worry about it”.

He also lamented the “bad start” Miller sustained, in addition to noting “We missed a lot of easy shots”, early on.

Copeland finished with 16 points, eight of which were tallied in fourth quarter action, with the game’s outcome far from being in question. Also challenging his utilization was junior forward Leroy Butts, IV, who did a good job on Copeland for much of the game, drawing much of the responsibility for checking him.

On-court experience helped Butts, who revealed “I actually checked him when we playing pick up at West Virginia on a visit”. He and Copeland also know each other personally from visiting Georgetown’s Midnight Madness celebration.

Steven Osu has a world of potential.

Butts’ contribution wasn’t just defensively, he led all scorers with 25 points, many delivered via mid-range jump shots. University of Maryland-bound junior guard Romelo Trimble added 19 points for O'Connell, while senior forward Junior Eto tallied 10.

In addition to Copeland’s numbers, Miller (15-13) received nine points from senior guard Travis Hester. Cam Smith, a junior guard, added eight, for Miller, whose season is complete.

Up next for O’Connell (26-6) are the VISAA semifinals, where Cape Henry Collegiate awaits Friday. Tip-off is 845p EST, at Petersburg’s Virginia State University.

For exclusive photos via Facebook.com/RonBailey19's album section, click here.

Recruiting Roundup:

Steven Osu - As a 6'9", 250 pound junior center for O'Connell, Osu has size and decent length, allowing him to rebound, score around the tin and defend. Howard sees what this developmental, bright big man can do, having offered him a scholarship. Duquense and Quinnipiac have expressed interest.

Offensively, Osu must continue to get more comforatable, which will allow his footwork development to be obvious. Also needs to craft a go to move, likely the right handed hook over his left shoulder.

Is a DC Assault (travel team) guy.