Harrison leads Flucos to championship

PALMYRA — Last week, Fluvanna’s Vinny Agee was named Jefferson District Player of the Year. However, it was another All-Jefferson District sophomore who put the team on his shoulders Tuesday night as the Flucos played Monticello in the District semi-final.

Forward Jalen Harrison poured in a game high 27 points in the Flucos’ 65-55 victory over the Mustangs.

“We wanted to win this game just like they did,” said FCHS head coach Munro Rateau. “I thought we did enough at the end to win.”

A high scoring first quarter found the Flucos down 19-17 heading into the second quarter. Fluvanna’s offense kept its foot on the gas in the second frame, totaling 15 points.

Late in the half, the Flucos jumped on a 9-2 run, including a last second Dorian Butler layup to give Fluvanna a 32-28 lead heading into the locker room. Harrison scored six consecutive points during the run and finished with 15 in the first half alone.

Jefferson District Sports Network game replay

“I just wanted to go out there and play confident for my team because we didn’t want this to potentially be our last game of the year,” said Harrison.

The third quarter was a whole new story for FCHS. Second chance points and missed opportunities from the free throw line plagued the Flucos as they were only able to muster seven points to Monticello’s 12 in the quarter. Fluvanna finished the game just 56 percent from the free throw line.

The fourth quarter was when Vinny showed why he took home the player of the year honor. Despite his struggles throughout the first three quarters, Agee did not shy away from spotting up from deep. Back-to-back triples from Agee at the top of the key gave Fluvanna its largest lead of the game of five points.

Denzel Terry of Monticello answered with a 3-pointer of his own to keep the Mustangs in striking distance, but a quick 7-2 run by Agee & Harrison gave the Flucos an eight point lead at the 2:35, which they rode to the final buzzer.

“We worked through our teammates to get good shots so we didn’t force things,” said Harrison after the game.

FCHS switched to a triangle-and-two later in the game, which kept the Mustangs out of their normal offense.

Post-game Jefferson District Sports Network interview with Munro Rateau

“I think when we went to the triangle-and-two it took them out of their rhythm a little bit,” said Rateau. “We ended up scoring some points in that time and took a bit of a lead.”

Harrison finished with 27 points on 55 percent shooting from the field, while pulling in seven rebounds. Agee scored 24 points to go along with his 12 boards. Jhalil Mosley was the Mustang’s leading scorer with 21 points.

“I think down the stretch, [Harrison] took over the game,” said Rateau. “That’s what he’s done for us all year, but tonight he found another motor.”

The win puts the Flucos in the Jefferson District Championship game against Western Albemarle, and guarantees the Flucos a spot in the Regional tournament. The two teams split the season series, both winning at home. The game is scheduled for 8 p.m. on Feb. 15 in Palmyra.

“They been at the top of the heap all year,” said Rateau. “We’re going to have to deal with their big men, play good defense, and capitalize of offense because they play such good defense.”

The game will be broadcast on the JeffersonDistrictSportsNetwork.com with former Fork Union post graduate coach Fletcher Arritt and Bryan Rothamel.