Bulldogs Defeat Heights 70 to 58

(5-2 overall) fueled by the scoring and rebounding of Seniors Sam Edens and Thomas Geenen advanced to the game in the boys division with a 70-58 victory of the The Heights School Tuesday evening..

The win marks the third time in three years that the host Bulldogs will appear in the championship game. In 2009, Churchill lost a close overtime game to Charles E. Smith JDS and in 2010, the Bulldogs captured the championship with a victory over Einstein. Churchill will face Shaler Area High School from Glenshaw, PA. Wednesday at 7:30 p.m. at Winston Churchill High School. Shaler will make its first appearance in the championship game, having defeated Takoma Academy 64-55 in the other first round pairing, Tuesday afternoon.

Churchill broke open a close game in the early portion of the third quarter, taking a 31-24 halftime lead and extending it to 47-30. The Heights made several attempts to get back into the game but was never able to get closer than seven points as Churchill was able to show some resilience each time the Cavaliers threatened.

The Bulldogs were led by Seniors Sam Edens (19 points and 8 rebounds) and Thomas Geenen (17 points and 20 rebounds). Junior Dominique Williams added 10 points for Churchill.

"It's always good when you can win the first round of your own tournament and the Heights definitely tested us at times this evening," Churchill head coach Matt Miller saidd after the game. "But we want to end the year well and go into 2012 strong. To do that we are going to need a much better effort against Shaler, especially defensively. They are a tough, disciplined and good basketball team with great coaching which is why we invited them to play in our tournament. They are exactly the type of team you want to face to prepare for division play starting next week. We know we have a strong challenge on our hands in the championship game."

After the tournament championship game, Churchill will enjoy the New Year's holiday weekend before returning to action on Tuesday, January 3, 2012 when the Bulldogs host division rival Whitman at 7 p.m.