By Grant Miller

There was an upset in Norfolk Thursday night.

King’s Fork of Suffolk walked into Norview High School ranked 14th in the state in Sports Illustrated, but they left with a 48-41 loss courtesy of Maury’s stifling defense and strong perimeter play.

Initially King’s Fork’s size posed an issue, including 6-foot-8 senior Jeremiah Morris’ rim protection, but Maury’s pesky defense mostly neutralized him by allowing him only two points in the first half and 11 points on the game. Senior Jayvion Green was especially effective at moving Morris off the block to prevent easy rebounds and putbacks.

On offense, Green extended King’s Fork’s defense with his shooting. He scored  six points, including a timely 3-pointer in the first quarter.

Junior Kyree Demiel interfered with King’s Fork’s passing lanes all game and scored 13 points, including a timely bucket over Morris in the fourth quarter.

Senior guard Adrean “Baby A” Newton scored 14 points and dished a timely assist late in the fourth to fellow senior Kamryn Harrell.

The Commodores have advanced to the regional championship game at Maury High School on Saturday March 1. They will play against Woodside, the returning state champions.

Edit – The game venue has changed to Booker T. Washington High School.