Reserves were key in Gonzaga’s victory

Ron Bailey, Publisher

Jenkins leads Eagles, but had help in victory.

February 11, 2012 - Villanova bound forward Kris Jenkins is a known commodity in the DMV, expected to make key plays, shoot, defend and rebound. The 6’5”, 240 pound Gonzaga Eagle didn’t disappoint against Ireton yesterday, finishing with a game high 24 points and 15 caroms, work that ratified his consideration by many as the best player in this region.

Jenkins may have been consistently outstanding, but the Eagles prevailed 67-61 on the road based in significant measure to a couple of lesser known student-athletes; Jordan Abdur-Ra’off and RaMond Hines.

Both juniors, Abdur-Ra’off and Hines, a forward and guard, respectively, impacted the second half via hustle and shot making. This was after not being heard from early.

Jordan Abdur-Ra'off challenges a scorer.

“I didn’t play much first half, because I rolled my ankle” afterward revealed Abdur Ra’off, who finished with seven points and eight rebounds. “I had to give 110%” which included snagging “rebounds and doing the intangibles”.

“We kept telling them we had an opportunity to crash the boards” said Head Eagle, Steve Turner, “because they were in zone…Jordan and RaMond did a great job” providing energy and effort.

Hines corralled three rebounds, but scored nine points, none more important than his three ball – giving Gonzaga a 55-51, late fourth quarter lead – and stick back minutes later, points that gave the Eagles a six point advantage. Ireton’s junior forward Pat Moseh (20 points) acknowledged Hines’ contribution, noting “He really made big shots”

It was Moseh who was instrumental in the Cardinals’ 30-21 second quarter lead. They would pace the game until a third quarter three pointer by guess who – Jenkins – tied it at 41. They would never trail again.

Senior guards Tavon Blackmon (eight points) and Charles Glover (seven points) provided solid complimentary scoring for Gonzaga, now 22-3 overall, 15-0 in Washington Catholic Athletic Association play. Up next for Turner’s crew is St. John’s who they host Tuesday.

Junior guard Taylor McHugh scored 11 points for the Cardinals, while senior forward Daniel Noe dropped eight points, followed by senior guard Marquis Holland’s seven. The loss, a league game that was also the school’s senior celebration, drops Ireton to 14-12, 5-11. They next travel to McNamara.

Both schools next contests tip at 7:30p.

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Recruiting Roundup:

Pat Moseh – At 6’3”, 190 pounds, Moseh is a rugged forward that accepts contact, will finish around the rim and is even crafty on fast break drives, using a nifty drop step to reach the rim while on the move. He competes.

Pat Moseh is a rough and tumble player.

JMU has talked to him, but as of right now Pat doesn’t have any looks. Moseh understands he must work on his ball handling, jumper’s range and perimeter skills in general, as well as excel this summer for the Roughriders travel team, to improve his college attractiveness.

Jordan Abdur-Ra’off - George Washington (his first), is joined by Brown and Kennesaw state in offering the active and athletic Abdur-Ra’off. Davidson, Bucknell, Cornell and Princeton have shown strong interest.

Jordan can finish, block shots, rebound and run the floor. Standing 6’6” and weighing around 195 pounds, he must become more proficient on the perimeter, i.e. handling the ball solidly in at least half court situations, and extending his shooting range.