The Oneida Daily Dispatch (Oneida, NY)
Palmer and Roden big in VVS tourney ‘ship
Nate Palmer had a big night in the opening round of the VVS Christmas Classic and Andrew Roden posted back-to-back double-doubles as VVS claimed tourney honors.
VERONA, N.Y. » Waterville raced out to a 20-11 lead at the end of the first quarter of play of Vernon-VeronaSherrill’s holiday title clash, but Andrew Roden led the VVS comeback, pouring in 26 points and snatching 13 rebounds as the Red Devils fought back for a 63-53 win in the title game of their holiday tournament.
Roden and Jake Engler, 10 points, were named to the all-tournament team following the championship victory, and Nate Palmer, who finished with 12 points, eight assists, and five steals was named tournament MVP a night after going off for 22 points the night before in a win over Holland Patent.
Wednesday - Opening Round
Two days before Christmas, Nate Palmer spent a couple of hours working on his 3-point shot with his dad.
The practice session paid off for Palmer and the Vernon-Verona- Sherrill Red Devils. The senior guard buried went 4 of 7 from downtown to spur a Red Devil offense that was sluggish early to a 71-57 win over Holland Patent.
“Nate carried us in the first half, making three 3-pointers,” VVS coach Andy Cossette said. “That really put us in the lead.”
Palmerfinishedthe contest with 22 points, six steals, and six assists, while the Roden had another double-double on the season, posting 17 points to gowith 11 rebounds. Jordan Schaefferwas also active for VVS defensively, collecting four steals.
Josh Ernst led theway for the Golden Knights with 19.
VVS turned defense into offense to fight back and take the lead in the second quarter. Roden scored the first four points of the quarter, coverting an and-1 play to give VVS a 13-12 edge. The Red Devils forced an HP turnover on Patent’s next possession, and Palmer buried a three on the Red Devils’ ensuing possession to pushthe lead to 16-12. After another Patent turnover, Palmer found Roden open underneath for the open bucket and an 18-12 lead. Following a timeout, Patent fared better with VVS press, and the teams battled 14-14 the rest of the way. Roden collected 12 of his 17 points during the second quarter, causing problems inside for Holland Patent.
“Honestly, it’s probably the best gift you can get as a point guard, especially with the way they play,” Palmer said, crediting teammates Andrew Roden and Davey Moffett for opening the floor ofeensively. “They’re going to be strong with it. With them in there, it makes it easier for the guards to get open shots. We just have to make them.”
At intermission VVS held a 36-28 lead.
VVS used a 17-8 third quarter run to push its lead to 53-36, finding its rhythm on the offensive side of the ball.
Two quick Holland Patent baskets to open the second half brought the score within four at 36-32, but that was as close as the Golden Knights would get as a balanced VVS attack took control of the contest, closing it out for the 71-57 victory.
“We played hard. We didn’t back down. They were a real physical team, and I felt we held our own,” Cossette said. “We finally in the second half started executing our offense better. We got our high-low going, and Davey and Andrew weremaking some baskets. Jake [Engler] made a couple of jumpers that helped too.”