Staff Report

LYNCHBURG, VA. — The Surry Runnin’ Patriots almost went two-for-two in championship games this weekend, with the boys winning the 3-A division title and the girls coming up just short in the 4-A division title during the East Coast Home School tournament.

Both teams played five games in as many days and it showed early on in the girls championship game Friday night, as Surry managed only three first quarter points and nine first half points against Gwinett County (Ga.).

Trailing by 18 at the half, coach Glen Edwards said his Runnin’ Pat girls did not give in, clawing their way back through the second half, eventually taking the lead with 50 seconds remaining.

However, Gwinett scored on a lay up shortly after and Surry was unable to respond, forcing the Runnin’ Patriots to foul and take home second place, losing by a score of, 45-42

Edwards was exasperated with his teams first half woes, saying without the ice cold start the Runnin’ Patriots would have been in much better shape as the game wore on.

“We had no offense the first half,” Edwards said. “We had nine first half points and we have not done that all year long. We had three first quarter points to tell you how slow it was. We did great the second half, we fought back, the girls have a lot of heart and got right back in the game, we just couldn’t close it out.”

Surry’s Molly Hamilton was awarded tournament MVP and according to Edwards, “by far led the team.” Hamilton made three 3-pointers on her way to a team-high 17 points, also winning the 3-point competition for the 19 and under classification during the all star proceedings after the game.

Hannah and Becca Tompkins were also selected to the all-tournament team for their efforts, with Rebekah Sikes picking up alternate honors.

“We played very well,” Edwards said. “I am very pleased with the girl’s, we just couldn’t get offense going this one game. We have started slow all season long. This is a team we beat at the first tournament of the season and then they turn around and return the favor. Very evenly matched teams. We just came out on the short end of the stick this time.”

The Surry girls finish the season 34-5.

For the Surry boys, Saturday proved to be a terrific cap to a good season, as they defeated Upstate (SC) 70-58 to take home the 3-A division championship.

Like their female counterparts, the Runnin’ Patriot boys also had trouble early, trailing by 11 at the half.

However, Luke Hamilton, Daniel Shaeffer and Greg Rasmussen came up big in the second half for Surry, knocking down several 3-pointers to put the Runnin’ Pats back in the game, a second half run which proved too much for Upstate (SC) as Surry sealed the game by going 14 of 18 from the free throw line in the fourth quarter.

Luke Hamilton led Surry with 25 points, 13 rebounds and six assists, followed by Daniel Shaeffer with 17 points, five rebounds and eight assists.

“It feels great,” coach Lin Hamilton said of the tournament win. “The guys gave a big effort. I told them we were still in it and to try to get things going and they just jumped on them in the third quarter. Luke, Daniel and Greg hit three’s and it really turned the ball game around. I am very pleased with the way our team meshed together over the last part of the season. This is it for us and it is a great way to finish up.”

Girls Final

Gwinett (Ga.) 45

Surry Home Educators 42

Surry —  3 6 17 16 — 45

Gwinett — 12 15 8 10 — 42

Surry — Molly Hamilton 17, Santucci 6, B. Tompkins 6, H. Tompkins 5, Edwards 2

Gwinett — Diamond Smith 22, Gaby 6, Augst 6, Davis 4, White 4, Phillips 3

Boys Final

Surry Home Educators 70,

Upstate (SC) 58

Surry — 14 13 26 17 — 70

Upstate — 22 12 10 14 — 58

Surry — Luke Hamilton 25, Daniel Shaeffer 19, Greg Rassmussen 9, Welch 6, Gibbons 6, Claffee 3, Brantley 2

Upstate — Stephen Mitchell 11, Tyler Burns 9, Crotter 8, Robinson 7, Bridges 7, Breeden 7, Bell 7, Park 2, Thomas 2