McLean Jumps on Fairfax Early For a 64-56 Win

By Ryan Gracia

The McLean Highlanders (8-4) reeled off their fourth consecutive win Wednesday night against Fairfax High (8-7), 64-56, snapping the Rebels’ five-game win streak.

Both teams came out aggressive, playing a fast-paced, run ‘n gun style of basketball, but it was McLean who ran out to an early 10-6 lead and never looked back. The Highlanders played at a fast – but controlled – pace that head coach Kevin Roller was hoping to see from the start.

“Our game plan was to come out and play at the correct pace,” Roller said. “We look to push, we look to press. We don’t want to go too fast, and we’re getting much better at that.”

It seemed that the Rebels would be able to keep up with the pace as they hung around, fighting for their chance to eventually take the lead. Senior guard Joey Boyle pushed the tempo and attacked the Highlanders’ defense throughout the game, finishing with a team-high 18 points, but his efforts were trumped by McLean junior guard Gordon Rogo, who punished the Rebels’ defense early and often with an array of shots, en route to a game-high 19-point performance.

“I just wanted to stay aggressive,” said Rogo. “I wanted to step up because my team usually looks for me whenever we have trouble scoring.”

That aggressive style of play helped keep the lead for the Highlanders, 37-33, at the game’s midway point.

Despite an injury to his face midway through the third quarter, Rogo’s teammates were able to keep the momentum up and continue to attack the Rebels’ defense during his short absence. Junior guard Sango Amolo and junior forward/center Thomas Van Wazer helped carry the load for the Highlanders.

While they had the lead throughout the game, it was never too comfortable for McLean, as the third quarter ended with the score at 54-50, a four-point difference that could easily be overcome with some solid play.

Their ability to stay in the game and keep the gap within distance was due in large part to good defense from the home team.

“It was on the ball defense and off the ball defense that was key because they executed so well throughout the game,” said Boyle.

But while they played tough defense at times, the Highlanders were able to exploit their weaknesses and finish off the Rebels down the stretch with the help of some tough defense of their own and the ability to hit free throws as the final seconds ticked off the clock to seal the victory.