Haynes key in Panther’s revenge

Ron Bailey, Publisher

Get back was secured by Haynes, et al.

December 19, 2012 - Potomac HS (VA) got 29 points from junior swingman Randy Haynes, production crucial to their 78-70, home victory over rival Gar-Field (VA) last night. The win equals the score so to speak, as Potomac fell to the visitors in stunning fashion, earlier this season.

Haynes exploded after intermission, scoring 10 straight points, of which he said afterward “They come in bunches”. In fact, 23 of his game high 29 points came post-halftime, many scored by attacking the rim and stick-backs. It was his steal and subsequent fastbreak dunk that gave Potomac the lead for good, erasing a 35-27 first half deficit.

Randy Haynes on the attack.

Junior guard Torrey Dixon also got into the act for Potomac, nailing a pair of key third quarter, three point shots. Dixon finished with eight points.

“The last couple of games, I’ve just been playing defense” said Dixon of his performance. “I felt like I had to bring my team back.

“I had five first half turnovers” recounted Haynes of what drove his second half output. “I had to pick my team up”.

That he did, as Gar-Field's senior guard Curtis Lovitt did work in the first half; he was almost unstoppable then, scoring primarily off the bounce, where he also found teammates. Lovitt, who finished with 22 points, also scoring off a several offensive rebounds. His teammate, senior forward Treymayne Bailey logged 20 points, most scored in the first half, where he was the recipient of Lovitt’s passes, while also working in the paint.

The victory for Potomac (11-4) - greatly aided by senior forward Joe Valez’ 13 points, many of which kept the Panthers within striking range in the first half - provides a sense of solace for their one point, December 11th, defeat at Gar-Field (15-2). That contest, a tough loss, saw Potomac fall after being up nearly twenty points in the second half.

Potomac is 6-1 in Virginia’s AAA Cardinal conference, a half game behind Gar-Field, at 7-1.

Recruiting Roundup:

Randy Haynes - A 6'4" swingman that can shoot and increasingly attack the rim, Haynes must get stronger for college ball, as he will be bumped off his dribble. Is a scorer that must commit to defense more consistently.

Haynes, Potomac's main guy, has been offered by High Point, while other mid-majors are interested.

Curtis Lovitt - Gar-Field's floor leader, Lovitt reportedly looks headed to junior college. There, this tough penetrator/disher can further develop his left hand ball patting, in addition to ensuring his jumper is a threat.