The Gladiators picked up their second 20+ victory tonight as they jumped to an early lead and steadily pulled away from the visiting Generals. Just like with the season-opening win at Buffalo Gap on Wednesday, this one was all about hustle as the pace was frantic for both teams. Had there been a shot clock (and let's hope we never see one in high school ball!) it would not have been a factor in this one.
At various times during the game tonight, it looked as if Riverheads' school record for three-pointers might be in danger. The first clue came when sophomore Grant Painter opened the action in a zone and bombed in four of them within the first three minutes of the game. Bradley Roberts added one moments later and Braeson Fulton hit one in the second stanza. Point guard Elijah Dunlap then stroked numbers 7 and 8 very early in the second half, but then the Big Red cooled its jets and did not hit any more, so the record of 11 will stand a while longer.
Stonewall was no slouch from outside either tonight and I would say they came close to matching the Gladiators' total. But Riverheads got far more hustle points and second chance opportunities as they outscored the Generals in all four quarters. The second quarter especially sealed the visitors' fate as RHS won that period 17-5.
Painter led the way with 27 in what was most likely a career-high. Fulton, who scored 22 in the win at Gap, chipped in 11 tonight, as they have established themselves as the Big Red leaders this year. If Riverheads can get a consistent 35-40 out of them night in and night out, plus 25-30 or more from the rest of the team, it should be a successful season. Tonight four others scored between 6 and 8 points. Andrew Dotson led the Generals with 16.
The Riverheads JVs picked up their first win of the season as they moved out to an early lead but had to fend off repeated rallies from the Baby Generals to win 51-42. Stonewall trimmed a 13 point fourth quarter lead down to five but could not get any closer. Gladiator fans who were paying close attention had to be impressed with the all-out effort of 5'2" eighth-grader Ethan Painter, who realistically stands closer to 2'5". He was all over the floor harassing the Generals during his limited playing time which added some entertainment to the game.
Riverheads has practically no time to savor these wins, as East Rock invades the Gladiator gym Saturday afternoon for a 3:00 JV tip. No one will be able to blame either team if they can't match tonight's energy levels as the Eagles had a track meet of their own with Stuarts Draft. Therefore, stamina may play a big part in tomorrow's game, along with the question of how well the Gladiators can handle ER's big size advantage.
At various times during the game tonight, it looked as if Riverheads' school record for three-pointers might be in danger. The first clue came when sophomore Grant Painter opened the action in a zone and bombed in four of them within the first three minutes of the game. Bradley Roberts added one moments later and Braeson Fulton hit one in the second stanza. Point guard Elijah Dunlap then stroked numbers 7 and 8 very early in the second half, but then the Big Red cooled its jets and did not hit any more, so the record of 11 will stand a while longer.
Stonewall was no slouch from outside either tonight and I would say they came close to matching the Gladiators' total. But Riverheads got far more hustle points and second chance opportunities as they outscored the Generals in all four quarters. The second quarter especially sealed the visitors' fate as RHS won that period 17-5.
Painter led the way with 27 in what was most likely a career-high. Fulton, who scored 22 in the win at Gap, chipped in 11 tonight, as they have established themselves as the Big Red leaders this year. If Riverheads can get a consistent 35-40 out of them night in and night out, plus 25-30 or more from the rest of the team, it should be a successful season. Tonight four others scored between 6 and 8 points. Andrew Dotson led the Generals with 16.
The Riverheads JVs picked up their first win of the season as they moved out to an early lead but had to fend off repeated rallies from the Baby Generals to win 51-42. Stonewall trimmed a 13 point fourth quarter lead down to five but could not get any closer. Gladiator fans who were paying close attention had to be impressed with the all-out effort of 5'2" eighth-grader Ethan Painter, who realistically stands closer to 2'5". He was all over the floor harassing the Generals during his limited playing time which added some entertainment to the game.
Riverheads has practically no time to savor these wins, as East Rock invades the Gladiator gym Saturday afternoon for a 3:00 JV tip. No one will be able to blame either team if they can't match tonight's energy levels as the Eagles had a track meet of their own with Stuarts Draft. Therefore, stamina may play a big part in tomorrow's game, along with the question of how well the Gladiators can handle ER's big size advantage.
