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Middies claim at least a share of GMC crown

Geovonie McKnight has 31 points, 8 rebounds in a hard-fought contest.

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12:40 AM Wednesday, February 8, 2012

By Rick Cassano

Staff Writer

MIDDLETOWN — The Greater Miami Conference banner hanging inside Wade E. Miller Gym needs some work.

Middletown High School’s boys basketball program hadn’t won a GMC title since the 1994-95 season, but ended that lengthy drought Tuesday night.

Geovonie McKnight basked in Senior Night with 31 points, eight rebounds, three assists and three steals, tallying 11 points in the fourth period as the Middies clinched at least a share of the conference crown with a pulsating 81-79 victory over Princeton.

“It’s a great feeling to bring it home in my last game here,” McKnight said. “Hopefully a state title can be even better.”

First-year Middletown coach Josh Andrews was spent after the indoor track meet. The temperature in the gym matched the intensity of the play.

“How tough were our guys in the fourth quarter?” said Andrews, shaking his head. “It’s just a testament to the makeup and character of these guys. We just found ways, a lot of different ways. I’m thrilled for ’em.”

Vincent Edwards had 16 points, nine boards, four steals and three assists for Middletown, which extended its winning streak to five. The Middies are 14-4 overall and 11-1 in the GMC.

Jalin Marshall and Zach Edwards chipped in 14 and 12 points, respectively, for Middletown, which lost 6-foot-6 center Chance Sorrell to a lower leg injury midway through the first stanza. Andrews said his status is unknown heading into Friday’s game at Mason.

“It’s kind of been a recurring theme that we have to play with adversity,” Andrews said. “I thought Mark Fayne (eight points, three rebounds, three assists) did a ton of good things coming off the bench after Chance got hurt.”

The Middies shot 55.4 percent from the field, yet sank only 6-of-14 free throws. The Vikings (13-4, 8-4) shot 58.2 percent from the floor and hit 14-of-18 foul shots.

Princeton got 25 points and 10 rebounds from De’Arius Young. Vikings coach Mike Anderson couldn’t complain about his squad’s effort or perseverance.

“Princeton-Middletown comes down to one possession again,” Anderson said. “We can use this as a springboard. We can make a strong tournament run.”

Vincent Edwards’ driving layup with 2:03 remaining put the Middies ahead for good (75-73). His free throw with 9.7 seconds left made it 81-77 and essentially sealed the win.

Focus on boys basketball Middletown 81, Princeton 79

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