Sweet sophomores lead Blue Wave in home-opening win against Newberry

(P.K. Yonge freshman guard Deontae Mavin hoists a free-throw late in the fourth quarter during the Blue Wave's 67-53 win against Newberry on Thursday, December 15, 2016 at P.K. Yonge Developmental Research School in Gainesville, Florida.)

The play of second-year guards Byron Smith and Israel Wilcox Jr. has resulted in some great Blue Wave wins this season. On Thursday, it allowed P.K. Yonge to take their home opener against the Newberry Panthers, 67-53.

In the first quarter, Newberry came out with a focus to pull off an upset. Shifty junior guard David Robinson displayed aggression and speed by attacking the basket.

This gave his team a 16-11 lead at the end of the first quarter.

After a slow start offensively for the Blue Wave, P.K. Yonge head coach Billy Blackmon ignited a spark during a post-first quarter pep talk.

“We have to play better and we have to pick it up, this is our first home game of the year,” Blackmon said. “Play like your hair is on fire.”

The Blue Wave players heeded Blackmon’s words of wisdom. With a lack of size, the Blue Wave had to find a way to outsmart the Panthers.

And they did.

During the opening minutes of the second quarter, they made several three-pointers.

“We don’t have much size on the inside, and I give everyone the green light to shoot the three,” Blackmon said.

Blue Wave junior guard Jordan Griffin delivered two treys of his own. The momentum he created helped set the Blue Wave’s foundation for victory. Wilcox Jr. demonstrated himself as a threat on the offensive side of the ball using patience and quickness.

“My coach told me I was going to be the leader of this game and I came out with intensity, took my shots, and they were falling tonight,” Wilcox smiled.

As he got it going, it didn’t take long for the walking highlight Smith to turn it on.

With two minutes in the second quarter, Smith slid downcourt with a dribble move through the paint. He rose between two defenders to deliver a dunk that changed the atmosphere of the game.

“I thought that dunk would bring fire to the team. And it did,” Smith said confidently.

Smith gave another highlight dunk in the second half, bringing the crowd to their feet. Him and Jalen Speer took over the fourth quarter, while Speer led the bench in scoring with eight points.

Panthers sophomore guard Jakhai Mitchem tried to take the momentum back before the half. With a chase down block, he sent the ball flying out of bounds.

His teammate Robinson was aggressive all night on offense. He tried to get his team involved by dishing out numerous assists. Sophomore forward Adrian McCray did work by grabbing multiple rebounds and looking for his shot.

The attempt of a last minute comeback and missed free throws were the reasons the Panthers fell short. The win brings P.K. Yonge to a record of 5-4. Newberry falls to 2-5 this season.

Notable Players

P.K. Yonge: Byron Smith - 18 points Israel Wilcox - 15 points

Newberry: Adrian McCray - 13 points David Robinson - 12 points

Next Game P.K. Yonge plays at Brooks County Christmas Tourney (Quitman, GA), Thursday 12/22 Newberry plays at Archbishop McCarthy (Fort Lauderdale, FL). Tuesday 12/27