Munro Rateau gives last minute advice before the start of the game on Feb. 6.
“It’s just a matter of turning the ball over and, I don’t know what the stats are, but I’m sure they out rebounded us in the second half,” said FCHS head coach Munro Rateau.
The game was tied at 26 at halftime but Monticello was starting to find its stride. The teams traded two baskets to start the second half then the MHS full court press started causing Fluco turnovers.
“We just turned the ball over and they got out and got some easy baskets. Then we got six or eight points behind, we just could never catch back up,” said Rateau.
“We had to change up some things, but the guys were willing to sacrifice part of their game to play together as more of a team and not individuals,” said MHS head coach Robert Shelton of the third quarter spurt.
The first half was a tight one. FCHS played a speed game, getting out for layups and transition baskets on Monticello’s full court press. Unfortunately for the Flying Men of Flu.Co., Monticello was hitting outside shots to keep within pace.
The Mustangs made three 3-pointers while struggling from inside the paint.
“The first half we played a lot better. We rebounded the ball in the first half and got out and ran. The second half we didn’t rebound the ball and they scored. That takes away our ability to get out and run,” said Rateau.
The Flucos were paced by Vinny Agee who finished with a game high 26 points. Brad Bullock had 15 points. Jalen Harrison ended the night with 12 points.
Fluvanna (17-4, 7-3) finished the year tied with Monticello for second in the district. By tiebreaker, the Flucos are the second seed in the Jefferson District playoffs. FCHS will next play on Tuesday the winner of MHS-Powhatan.
“I’m really proud of the kids. The regular season is over with and we won 17 games. That’s a pretty good group of kids that worked hard all year. We are going to be better on Tuesday because of this game, we can learn from our mistakes,” said Rateau.
The semifinals and finals of both the boys’ and girls’ tournaments are being held at Fluvanna County High School.
The semifinals and finals of the boys’ tournament will be broadcast on the JeffersonDistrictSportsNetwork.com.
