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Albritton nails last second 3-pointer for win

Dominion’s Deandre Albritton proved why he is one of the top players in the area on Thursday night.

Trailing Freedom by one with 2.2 seconds left, Dominion had enough time for one more play. Everybody in the gym knew who was taking the last shot.

The Titans set two screens to spring Albritton, who caught the ball about three feet outside the three-point line. He took a step, pump-faked and then with defenders’ hands in his face he released his trademark high-floating shot.

Money.

Albritton’s three-pointer at the buzzer gave Dominion a 54-52 victory over Freedom, and completed a 17-point second half comeback.

“I like pressure. It is something I thrive on,” Albritton said. “I knew it was in.

“When I saw this as an opportunity, I was like, ‘I got to make it. I can’t miss.’”

Albritton, one of the area’s top scorers, fueled the Titans second-half charge, scoring 23 of his game-high 26 points in the second half. He used his speed and crossover dribble to slash to the basket, and also pulled up from long range when left open, knocking down four three-pointers.

It turned out the Titans needed every point to storm back into the game. Dominion briefly jumped on top with 1 minute 30 seconds left before Freedom regained the lead. Albritton then made a basket to tie the score with 20 seconds remaining.

Freedom drove down the court and Troy Dockett found Henry Brisbe underneath the basket, and Brisbe was fouled going up for the shot. He made the first free throw and missed the second, and Dominion grabbed the rebound with 3.2 seconds left.

The Titans inbounded the ball and called timeout to set up the final play.

In the first half the Eagles (3-12, 2-6 AA Dulles) had their way with Dominion (6-8, 3-5), holding the Titans to only nine points.

“We were all embarrassed after the first half where we only put up nine points,” Dominion Coach Steve Douglas said.

Part of the Titans’ early offensive woes came because Albritton watched the first quarter from the bench, due to a coaching decision.

But as soon as the second half started, Dominion slowly started chipping away at the Eagles lead. About midway through the third quarter, Albritton made a play that ignited the Titans fans and gave Dominion some momentum.

Albritton sliced through the Eagles defense and was fouled as he banked in a finger-roll layup. He knocked down the free throw and suddenly the Titans were within nine points.

“We are an explosive team,” Albritton said. “Whether we are down by two or thirty, we still have a chance.”

Even though Dominion had climbed back into the game, the Eagles still led by eight going into the fourth quarter and kept the Titans at a distance.

Every time Dominion seemed to gain momentum, Freedom would force a turnover or hit a shot.

Eagles senior Troy Dockett carried his team, making several clutch shots to finish with 23 points. Despite his efforts, the Eagles could not hold onto the lead.

Dominion simply put the game in the hands of Albritton, and he took care of the rest.

“I have been watching this kid for three years,” said Dominion senior Scott Zurich, who made several fourth-quarter plays. “We know when the ball is in his hands, it has a good chance to go in.”

“The kid’s got confidence.”

Category: Basketball, Loudoun Extra.com, Washington Post

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