Fluvanna County’s boys basketball team was down three heading into the fourth quarter against Monticello, fighting for a chance to play in Friday’s Region 3C quarterfinals.
Not only that, the Flucos’ record in close games left a lot to be desired. But on Wednesday, a combination of Kobe Edmonds and John Rittenhouse down the stretch got the Flucos over the hump in a 46-42 win over Monticello.
“We had been one and nine in close games this year, but tonight in the biggest game, we found a way to win,” Fluvanna coach Jason Davis said. “I couldn’t be happier for the twelve young men who have battled all year.”
Fluvanna took the lead for the first time all night at 39-37 when Emory Davis fed Rittenhouse for an 8-foot floater. Then the Flucos went to work on holding on to the lead.
“Emory drove the lane and kicked it out to John Boy, who nailed a big three from the corner,” Davis said. “After (Monticello’s Ben Drake) got that old fashioned three pointer, Kobe answered right back with a driving layup. Two big shots in that situation.”
A pair of fourth quarter threes from Rittenhouse — he had five total while scoring 17 on the night — helped bolster Fluvanna’s effort as they rallied in the final frame. Edmonds hit four clutch free throws in the fourth including a pair that made it a two possession game at 46-42. Edmonds finished with 16 points, six assists, four steals and four rebounds on the night in a strong performance by the freshman point guard.
Monticello’s Drake finished with 16 points to lead the Mustangs while Michael Gray had eight and Andrew Helmann finished with 10.
The loss ends the Mustangs’ season while Fluvanna will travel to face No. 3-seeded Heritage in the Region 3C quarterfinals Friday.
