From the Coach - Dryden V. Johnson City

From the Coach:

Dryden improved to 10-8 on the season as they defeated host Johnson City 81-67.  Dryden was led by sophomore Ali Abel-Ferretti who posted his tenth double-double of the year as he finished with 26 points and 20 rebounds.  Dryden also got a career-high 19 points from Ross Cole.  Cole also added 6 rebounds, 4 assists, and 3 steals.  Freshman Trevor Gardner also posted his first-ever double-double as he finished with a career-high 17 points, and a career-high 10 assists.  Matt McHerron also chipped in with 12 points and 9 rebounds.  Johnson City was led by Czeitner who finished with 19 points.   

Dryden would take a 23-8 lead after the first quarter.  Trevor Gardner with 11 points in the first quarter, including the first 7 of the game as Dryden led 7-0, and 11 of Dryden's first 15 points.  "Trevor was extremely aggressive on both ends of the floor tonight.  Even at such a young age, he has the ability to score the basketball efficiently.  The way he asserted himself in the first half was exactly what we needed after a poor showing on Saturday.  Johnson City would cut the lead to 4 at 23-19, but Dryden would take a 35-23 lead into the locker room at half.  Abel-Ferretti with 8 points in the second quarter.  "We knew Ali had a big size advantage inside, therefore we did our best to get him touches." 

 "We talked about finishing at halftime.  We've had a few games this year where we haven't finished late in games, and it cost us a victory."  Johnson City would outscore Dryden 20-17 in the third quarter, as they trailed 52-43 headed into the fourth quarter.  McHerron and Abel-Ferretti each with 6 points in the quarter.   

Dryden would use a 29-24 advantage in the final quarter to win 81-67.  "I was pleased that we continued to attack in the fourth quarter.  I thought we passed the ball extremely well in the final quarter, allowing us some easy opportunities."  Ross Cole with 15 points in the fourth quarter, and Abel-Ferretti added 7.  "Ross continued to get to the rim whether it be with or without the ball in his hands.  If he didn't have the ball, his teammates found him for some easy finishes off basket cuts."  "I am extremely pleased with the passion we displayed tonight.  Having vocal leaders in the huddle and on the floor has proved to be very beneficial for us."   

Dryden JV's lost to Johnson City 76-47.   Anthony Nichols led Dryden with 17 points.  Dryden will enter sectional play beginning next week.