Defense Again Propels Churchill to Victory

The boys basketball team once again relied on aggressive defense to hold off upset-minded Quince Orchard, 49-46, on Tuesday night.  

The Bulldogs (15-4) also had to overcome its own cold shooting to get back into the win column after Friday’s 47-45 loss to Clarksburg ended an eight-game winning streak.  

“We needed this win coming off a loss,” said Churchill head coach Matt Miller, whose defense-minded team held its sixth-straight opponent to under 50 points. During the span, the Bulldogs have allowed an average of only 41 points per game.  

The Bulldog defense limited Quince Orchard to 35 percent shooting (17 for 49) and forced 21 turnovers. It also stepped up in the last minute of the game to stop the Cougars (4-14) on three consecutive possessions when they had a chance to tie the score or take the lead.  

The Bulldogs got the offense they needed from senior guard Christian Bonaparte and senior guard Sam Edens, who each scored 13 points. Edens also added a team-high eight rebounds and three steals. Senior forward Quan Gill contributed six points, and senior forwards Thomas Geenen (7 rebounds) and Louis Rothstein added four points each.  

The Bulldogs don’t play again until Valentine’s Day when they host Northwood (5-14). They face Watkins Mill (12-7 and winners of their last 11) on Friday, Feb. 17—their final regular-season home game and Senior Night.  

“We’re fortunate to have a bye on Friday. This will give us some time to rest and get in some good practice time. We need to regroup a little bit,” Miller said. “With our last two home games of the regular season next week, we want to get better at all phases of the game. We need to get back to the way we were playing earlier this season if we want to challenge for the regional championship.”