Druid Hills Boys Fall To Woodward Academy in Region 5-AAA Tournament

Despite a gallant effort from guards Garrison Webb and Willie Zachery, Druid Hills fell to Woodward Academy in the quarterfinals of the Region 5-AAA Tournament, 64-49, Thursday at Riverwood High School.

The loss ends a successful season in which the Red Devils (15-12, 9-5) started 1-8, but went 14-4 after that point. Druid Hills' defeat also breaks a streak of two-straight trips to the state playoffs.

“All the credit to Druid Hills, they played a great game,” said Woodward head coach Anthony Thomas. “They were athletic and they were tough.”

Webb did all he could to keep Druid Hills in the contest by slashing to the hoop and scoring a game-high 22 points in his final outing.

Zachery did all of his damage in the second half and connected on crucial three-pointers to finish with 11 points. Senior center Brandon Harrison also played strong, scoring 10 points.

However, the difference in the game was Woodward’s size advantage. The War Eagles, who showcase four players in the frontcourt rotation over 6-foot-5, including 6-foot-9 junior Michael Hall, made it nearly impossible for the Red Devils to get to the rim.

Woodward enjoyed a splendid second quarter courtesy of senior point guard Arlon Harper, who scored 11 of his 14 first-half points in the period. Harper ended the night with a team-high 19 points.

The Red Devils stormed out after halftime and went on a 7-0 run to start the third quarter, cutting the deficit to 30-27. However, the rally ended after Hall threw down back-to-back dunks.

Woodward went on to own the fourth quarter and cruised to victory lane. With the win, the War Eagles clinched berth in state playoffs for the first time in more than a decade and will play Washington Friday in the 5-AAA semifinals.

The 2011-12 season will be a period of transition for Druid Hills after losing eight seniors to graduation from this year’s team.