3 things I learned in Whitehaven’s win over Arlington

<p><span style="font-size: 1rem; -webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-text-size-adjust: 100%;">This was a matchup between potentially two Class AAA state title contenders.</span></p> <p>This was Maurice Miller team’s first big test of the season, and many were on hand to see how his team would play against the home team that has a new, but proven coach to go along with a group of experienced players.</p> <p>Experience always matters, and Whitehaven showed that in its 68-49 win over Arlington Tuesday night.</p> <p>Here are three things I learned from the Whitehaven Tigers’ win over the Arlington Tigers:</p> <p><strong>Whitehaven will look different than it has in the past</strong></p> <p>Under former head coach Faragi Phillips, Whitehaven ran mainly an up-tempo offense, which used to tire teams out before halftime. Under new head coach Fred Horton, the Tigers started off orchestrating a fast-paced offense, which led the team to taking an early 8-0 lead to start the game. But, Horton’s team slowed things down in the second quarter and ran a half-court offense, making 10 or more passes while bleeding time off the clock.</p> <p>That allowed Arlington to get back into the game. Sophomore guard <strong>Phil Dotson III</strong> tied the game 23-all at halftime off a half-court heave as the buzzer sounded, then sophomore forward <strong>Dontae Stringer</strong> knocked down a corner 3 that was followed by a score from junior guard <strong>Madison Peaster</strong> that gave the Tigers their biggest of the night at 28-23 early in the third quarter.</p> <p>After that, Whitehaven caught fire, outscoring Arlington 40-26 the rest of the way.</p> <p>“I have always told them that the first and third quarters are the two most important quarters in a ball game,” Horton said. “You throw the first punch in the first quarter, let the second and fourth quarters take care of their own.</p> <p>“We came back in the third quarter; they did an excellent job pressing all over the court, putting the ball in the basket. That is what helped us.”</p> <p><strong>Side note</strong>: Horton’s team had a lot of turnovers. That has to be fixed.</p> <p><strong>Experience matters</strong></p> <p>Whitehaven has five guards that know what it takes to win in big games. <strong>Jesse Payne Jr</strong>., <strong>Alvin Miles</strong>, <strong>Ragi Phillips</strong>, <strong>Kavion McClain</strong> and <strong>Antwan Smith</strong> have been playing together since they were in the ninth grade. They have played in state tournaments together. All of these guys are seniors and know what it takes to win in big games.</p> <p>In Class AAA, seniors make the coach’s job very easy.</p> <p>In Tuesday night’s win, Payne Jr. and sophomore guard <strong>Kristain Spencer</strong> led the team with 14 points. Miles added 11.</p> <p><strong>A lot of 3s</strong></p> <p>Whitehaven took a lot of 3s and got great looks at the basket. The Tigers made nine 3s in the game. Horton wants his team to take 3s, which he thinks is one of the strengths of the offense.</p> <p>“That’s my vision. This is the new look for Whitehaven,” Horton said. “I have always been blessed with shooters at Booker T. Washington High School. This is one of my visions, and I want them to buy into it, because we got the speed, the quickness and the ball handling skills to get open.</p> <p>“They’re going to give the ball up. They’re going to share the basketball.”</p>