By Michael F. Flach
Herald Staff Writer
(From the issue of 1/29/04)

ARLINGTON — Bishop O’Connell’s junior forward Dave Neal struggled in the first-half against rival Paul VI last week after picking up two early fouls in the opening minutes. He sat out most of the second quarter.

But Neal, who finished with 16 points, exploded for four quick points at the beginning of the third quarter and hit two more clutch baskets down the stretch, including a rim-rattling break-away dunk, as the second-ranked Knights (13-2) defeated the Panthers (11-5) 71-63 in Arlington.

The near-capacity crowd anticipated an entertaining game. They were not disappointed. The emotional rivalry between the two diocesan schools led to a hard-fought game from beginning to end. PVI jumped out to a quick 9-2 advantage behind senior forward Darryl Proctor (15 points) and guard Ryan Williams (11 points).

But O’Connell junior forward Marcus Ginyard (team high 18 points) steadied the Knights with both his offensive and defensive tenacity. Knight’s Coach Joe Wooten also received a boost from his bench as sophomores Brian Majors (eight points) and Will Johnson (five points) played extensive minutes in the first half.

O’Connell seniors Eric Smith (six points) and Fred Stanback (16 points) provided steady leadership and clutch free throws throughout the game.

Even without last year’s center Brian Johnson, who transferred to Oak Hill Academy, O’Connell is clearly the team to beat heading into conference play. The Knights can spread the floor and play an up-tempo game with Smith, Ginyard, Majors and Johnson. Or they can slow it down and pound the ball inside to Neal, senior Ernie Lomax and sophomore Rockwell Moody.

Kendra King Leads PVI Over Knights

Paul VI junior forward Kendra King dominated inside with 19 points and 10 rebounds as the Panthers (11-4) defeated rival Bishop O’Connell (9-8) 57-41.

PVI played tenacious man-to-man defense throughout most of the game and denied O’Connell’s Shannon Ambrose (six points) many clear looks at the basket. The Knights were led by sophomore guard Jackie Tinsley (19 points) and senior guard Christina D’Ambrosio (eight points).

PVI led 24-19 at halftime, but O’Connell surged out quickly in the third quarter to tie the game at 25. But a couple of key turnovers mid-way through the period proved to be the Knights undoing as the Panthers opened up a 10 point lead and never looked back.

King had significant help from junior Sarah Vargas (12 points), who played a steady game at the point guard position at both ends of the floor.