MARINE CORPS BASE QUANTICO, Va. -- Principal Michael Johnson bent over slightly to hand a buttery yellow rose to Andrea, a cheerleader, during a senior recognition ceremony at the Quantico Middle/High School gymnasium on Feb. 11, 2014. The proud smile on Johnson’s face seemed infectious as Andrea’s countenance glowed upon the receipt of the flower.
Just before the start of one of the final basketball games of the regular season, 10 high school senior cheerleaders and basketball athletes took their place with family and close friends on the basketball court to be recognized for their final year of pre-college studies. And then it was time to start the boys’ game.
“There was more of a sense of pride and more of a want to go out and get the win for the school,” said Alec, one of the Warrior’s captain, talking about the motivation the team felt after the senior recognition. “We played 100 percent the whole game.”
Intensity was the name of the game for Quantico during what Eddie Cottrell, the Warrior’s coach, called, “a needed win” against the Holy Family Academy from Manassas, securing the Warriors’ 77-65 victory.
“I looked at the six [athletes] that I played and three of them were seniors,” said Eddie Cottrell, Warrior’s head coach. “They never quit or gave up, and made huge shots. They were tremendous.”
With the offense scoring continuous 3-point shots and the defense suffocating their opponents, Quantico dominated the first half, leading the Vendeens 32-27.
“I just wanted to shoot 3-pointers,” said Naiko, sophomore. “This is our last home game and I wanted to win.”
The second half was no different as Quantico took the two eight-minute quarters with carefree stealing, consistent scoring and confident blocking.
When the buzzer signaled the end of the game, Quantico left the court with their heads held high having dominated their last home game of the regular season, winning 77-65.
“[The win] meant everything to our seniors,” said Cottrell. “This was a team that beat us before and they were determined not to let it happen again. I expect the most out of them and they gave it.”
Correspondent: samuel.l.ellis@usmc.mil