German Craftsmanship

Berger goes big as Mountaineers run by Governors

Heritage’s Andrew Pryor works the ball around the perimeter against William Blount’s Hunter Pesterfield. Photos by Jolanda Jansma

By Stefan Cooper
Editor
Blount Press Row

Heritage’s ? Berger squeezes to the basketball against William Blount’s Jai Atkins and Corey Pyle.

Wait till Hunter Bailey gets back.

A frontrunner for district player of the year last season, the high-scoring forward hopes to return by January. Considering Heritage is already a powerful team, evidenced by a 65-46 win over visiting William Blount on Friday, we could be watching a super ball club when district schedule begins in earnest.

Keenan Berger, the Mountaineers’ smooth shooting, 6-foot-7 German import, was dominant at both ends with a game-high 22 points. Guard Brandon Davis wasn’t far back, pumping in 19, including a deep 3-pointer.

Blake Ervin had nine, Jake Long eight, as Heritage (8-2, 1-2 District 4AAA) ripped off an 18-point second quarter to take control.

The Governors’ Bradley Boling collides with Heritage’s Jake Long.

The Governors, who got 14 from Bradley Boling, 10 from Damien Love, answered with nine in the frame as the Mountaineers extended to a 29-15 lead at the half. Joel Graham had seven for William Blount, Hunter Pesterfield, Dylan Thompson and Corey Pyle five each.

The Governors (4-6, 0-3) also hope to have a key piece of the puzzle back come January with the return of forward Reed Daniels from an injury suffered in football.

Berger began the game modestly, blocking and bothering William Blount shots on the defensive end. The Heritage lead was 11-6 after a quarter. The talented foreign exchange student, dunk contest champion at last month’s jamboree, kicked in the scoring gear in the second quarter as the Mountaineers pulled clear.

Ervin finished the evening with a pair of 3s, Calvin Keeble and Long one each, as Heritage balanced the floor throughout.