February 21, 2007

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by Ethan Lin

CHAPEL HILL -- On North Carolina's senior night, several things were not completely there. Head coach C.B. McGrath had missed the last several days of practice due to a severe flu. It was not clear until before the game whether or not he could make it to coach. Sophomore guard JB Tanner was walking on a sprained ankle, and guard Terrance Petree was also experiencing flu-like symptoms. Due to illness, starter Brad Jones did not even dress out.

But the Tar Heels were able to fight through the adversity to beat a feisty - and bigger -Massanutten team that never gave up.

Senior forward Charles McDonald commented on Massanutten's size.

"They were bigger and out-rebounding us, but we came back in the second half focusing on boxing out and creating a wall for them to shoot over," said McDonald. "Once we settled down, we gained our lead back."

Carolina's starting lineup included Charles McDonald, Patrick Moody, Bobby Murphy, JB Tanner, and Jack Wooten - all playing in their final Junior Varsity game.

"We came out intense in the beginning," said guard JB Tanner. "That was the key to the win. I will never wear this uniform again, and our team chemistry is so good that everyone else wanted the win for us."

Massanutten got off to a quick start and the two teams exchanged leads until the middle of the first half, when the Tar Heels made a 16-1 run to lead 26-12. However, Massanutten was able to whittle the lead down to 8 by halftime.

Carolina never lost the lead again, leading by as much as 15 points throughout the second half. Massanutten gradually clawed their way back with a 16-5 run that left them trailing by only three points late in the game, but were unable to convert foul opportunities to a lead. Despite a made desperation 3-pointer with 32 seconds left, Carolina prospered in the game to win 75-71.

In his first start of the season, Bobby Murphy scored a season and team high 14 points, followed by dual 13-point performances by James Gallagher, who had 6 rebounds, and JB Tanner. Patrick Moody also had 8 points, 6 rebounds, and 4 assists.

Though they had 19 more shot opportunities than Carolina, Massanutten only converted 28 of those shots, shooting 38.3% from the field, compared to Carolina's 44.4%. The Tar Heels also shot 42.3% from the 3-point line compared to Massanutten's 28.5%.

For much of the game, Massanutten employed extensive half-court defense.

"We couldn't figure out their trap at first," said Bobby Murphy, who shot 66% from the 3-point line. "But we never lost confidence and faith and played hard in transition and made a real effort to box out after the half."

According to Bobby, Carolina may have played with an extra boost under their heels from a special pre-game event.

"Before the game, we dedicated the locker room to [assistant coach] Chris Tully," said Murphy. "Over the past three years he has dedicated himself to the team and displayed fearless leadership along with showing his ability to play through bicep injuries."

Patrick Moody shared his sentiments as well.

"Before the game I was thinking about all the hard work we put in all year, working out and running together before tryouts," said Moody. "This could be the last competitive game many of us will ever play."

"These are good kids that have played hard and done everything I asked," commented C.B. McGrath on the year. "Even though we've lost kids and had injuries, we've dealt well and I'm very pleased with this win."

"It's a good way to go out."