Gators hurt Nansemond-Suffolk from the arc

With an incredible long-range shooting display by diminutive guard David Hall, Greenbrier Christian bolted out to a big lead and kept going for a 60-48 win over Nansemond-Suffolk in the third-place game of the Tidewater Academy Christmas Tournament Tuesday in Wakefield.

Hall drained 5-of-6 three-pointers in the first period, including netting the first nine Gator points of the game, and Greenbrier Christian built up a 34-19 halftime advantage.

The Saints improved their defense, on Hall and all the Gators, some in the second half. NSA trimmed a lead which was as large as 48-26 down to getting within shouting distance in the final four minutes, but it wasn’t enough for the Saints (2-9).

The game at Tidewater Academy’s tourney was an interesting test for the Tidewater Conference mates. The Saints and Gators will meet at NSA this coming Tuesday and will play again in the one conference contest in February in Chesapeake.

Breon Willie scored five straight points and eighth-grade point guard Morgan Wentz made a breakaway lay-up for a 10-9 NSA lead after Hall’s first personal rally. Hall drained two more from beyond the arc, and the Gators led 19-12 through a period and into double digits a couple minutes later.

The Gators went on a 10-0 run shortly into the second half for a lead that proved too much for the Saints despite better play down the stretch.

Brandon Addison took a long outlet pass by Wentz for a lay-up, bringing NSA within 50-36 with 4:32 left in the game. The Gators held NSA scoreless for the next 3:10 keeping their lead safe.

Hall led the Gators with 16 points. Swingman Bryce Myers had 12 points and 10 rebounds.

For the Saints, Wentz scored 10 points. A.J. Hicks, NSA’s 5-foot-10 power forward, had nine points and nine rebounds. Guard Brandon Addison and forward John Hogan had six and five points, respectively, all in the second half.