Winning feeling: Wildcats top Tigers, snap 10-game slide

View larger image Warren County’s Dakota Pratscher leaps for a shot past Brentsville defenders Jonathan Stone (33) and Alec Pfleckl during Friday’s game in Front Royal. Dennis Grundman/Daily View larger image Warren County’s Nathan Almarode, middle, is double teamed by Brentsville’s Nate Duffus (32) and Felton Worrell during Friday’s game. Dennis Grundman/Daily View larger image Nathan Almarode of Warren County leaps for a layiup in front of Andrew Reighard of Brentsville during Friday's game in Front Royal. Dennis Grundman/Daily

By Robert Edmonds - sports@nvdaily.com

FRONT ROYAL -- A dominant performance by Warren County on Friday night snapped a 10-game losing streak as the Wildcats defeated visiting Brentsville, 80-60, in Evergreen District boys basketball.

"We shot the ball really well early in the game and were able to get to the foul line, which was very important," Wildcats coach Vernon Mathews said. "The team really needed this win to help keep our confidence up, and it was nice to be able to get everyone some playing time and get our bench experience."

Warren County held Brentsville scoreless for just more than nine minutes during a stretch in the first half while scoring 28 unanswered points to build an insurmountable lead. Matt Nicholson led the way for the Wildcats during the run, scoring 14 of his 20 points on the evening.

"We wanted to come out strong to start the game," Nicholson said. "We were able to beat their zone defense and hit the deep shots to get things going for us on offense."

Nicholson hit two big 3-point shots from the field during the run and was 6 of 6 from the free-throw line. Combining with the Nicholson's outstanding performance were big contributions from Dakota Pratscher and Nathan Almarode. Both seniors added six points during the stretch, as the Tigers found it difficult to stop Almarode in the post.

"We showed patience on offense and moved the ball around," Pratscher said. "I think our communication was good and tonight helped show the team that we can do good things when we play together as a team."

Brentsville jumped out to an early lead, 12-9, to begin the game but went cold shooting from the field. While the offense struggled, the Tigers implemented a full court defensive press for most of the game. It didn't lead to much success, as the Wildcats were able to break the trap for easy baskets.

The Wildcats also led the way in rebounding on both ends of the floor during the half. Warren County held a 43-20 lead entering halftime and it appeared the Tigers' morale had been deflated by the difficult stretch.

Brentsville found its offense after the break, but could not manage to stop the Wildcats' attack. Both teams traded points during the second half and the Tigers were only able to cut the lead to 16 points early in fourth quarter.

Pratscher helped Warren County extend its lead to pull away, scoring six points while making sure the Wildcats kept the game out of reach. Pratscher was the leading scorer in the game with 22 points, while Almarode added 19 for the Wildcats.

"This was a giant confidence-builder for the team," Pratscher said. "We have played in a lot of close games and haven't been able to finish them off. I think this is important and shows that we can be gritty and keep hustling, and it pays off.

"We have been coming together as the season has progressed and we want to build off of this moving forward."