UPDATE: In a nail-biting clash, No. 7-ranked Westover narrowly defeated No. 8 Monroe, 60-53, during a packed doubleheader in Albany on January 5, 2024. The intense matchup not only marked Westover’s 11th consecutive win but also halted Monroe’s impressive 10-game streak, setting the stage for an unforgettable night of high school basketball.
The atmosphere was electric as fans packed the stands, creating a raucous environment reminiscent of the playoffs. Early on, it was clear that the rivalry between these two teams would ignite the gym, which felt alive with anticipation. Westover’s Jalen Holmes opened the scoring with a stunning three-pointer, igniting the crowd and setting the tone for the rest of the game.
Holmes led his team with 22 points, while teammate Gregory Williams contributed 19 points. Westover quickly established an early lead, jumping out to a commanding 15-2 advantage, forcing Monroe’s coach, Michael Hoffpauir, to call an early timeout to regroup.
As the game progressed, Monroe displayed resilience, cutting the deficit to just 20-13 by the end of the first quarter. The Tornadoes continued to battle back, with Tristen Terry and Robert Adams hitting back-to-back threes to tighten the score to 23-21. However, Westover consistently found ways to respond, maintaining a lead of 35-25 at halftime.
The second half saw Monroe claw back to within four points multiple times, the closest being 53-51 late in the fourth quarter. Yet, Westover held firm, making crucial shots to seal the victory. Brayden Burns stood out for Monroe with an impressive 29 points, while Terry and Adams added nine and eight points, respectively.
In the girls’ game earlier that evening, No. 3-ranked Monroe dominated Westover, winning 63-31. Kie’Aundria Acree delivered a phenomenal performance, scoring 28 points and contributing significantly with 10 rebounds and eight assists. Her display captivated the audience, showcasing why she is a player to watch this season.
Westover honored coach Dallis Smith for his 500th career victory during the doubleheader, adding to the emotional weight of the night. The gym was filled with pride and celebration, reinforcing the community’s love for high school basketball.
Looking ahead, Westover will host Dougherty on Tuesday, January 9, while Monroe will hit the road for their next matchup. Fans eagerly await the next chapter in this thrilling rivalry, as both teams continue to chase their championship aspirations.
Friday’s games will be remembered as a defining moment in the season, showcasing the passion and intensity that high school basketball brings to communities. The atmosphere was a testament to what makes these matchups so special, and the excitement is far from over.