Win moves Evans into tie for second

Justin Black predicted Evans High School wouldn't soon forget its victory Tuesday over Josey.

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The Knights senior and his teammates avenged a December loss to the Eagles and pulled into a tie for second in Region 3-AAAA.

But Black was quick to look ahead.

"We're going to lose sleep on this one," he said. "We can't wait until Friday, though."

Evans played host to Josey before traveling to Richmond Academy for a rematch with the Musketeers, who entered without a region loss. Evans coach Kevin Kenny called the week among the toughest any region team would face.

Kenny's team started the week well, beating the Eagles 64-61 following a late stand.

Josey trailed by two with the ball and 9.8 seconds remaining. Knights sophomore Trevor Foreman stepped in front of an Eagles' pass, secured the steal and was fouled with 1.5 seconds remaining after Josey devised a play during a time out.

"We just told them this is the time you have to figure out how good a defensive team you really are," Kenny said. "This is when winning teams and teams that want to win championships step up and make a defensive play."

The Knights' victory means Evans and Josey are tied for the region's second seed with six league games remaining for each. The Eagles beat the Knights 51-46 in December, and the matchup would move to tiebreakers if the situation is the same before the region tournament.

Black said avenging the loss to Josey should give the Knights confidence Friday when they tried to even the regular season meetings with Richmond.

Josey also has another crack at the region's top team. The Eagles had their chance for second alone Tuesday.

The Eagles started the second half hot, scoring the first three baskets and building a five-point advantage. They led by three starting the final eight minutes.

But a Foreman steal, drive and subsequent trip to the free- throw line resulted in a double-technical and ejection of Eagles forward Conrad Wilburn. Evans made four of the resulting six free throws and led by five with 6:32 left.

"Don't try to get us back in one possession," Josey coach Jabari Levi told his players during an ensuing timeout.

"We got a lot of time. Be patient."

The Knights pushed their lead to eight before Levi's squad reigned it in. The Eagles worked under the basket, converting two 3-point plays to pull within two with a little more than a minute remaining.

They were down two with the ball when Levi called timeout with 9.2 seconds left.

Evans' girls fell to the Eagles, 62-22. Rochelle Leverett led the Knights with eight points.

Josey's Kenay Phillips made three 3-pointers and led all scorers with 12 points.