NICEVILLE — Crestview High School boys basketball Coach Greg Watson has preached about finishing a game to the Bulldogs all season.
He continued to stress a strong finish at halftime of Friday’s District 1-7A tournament semifinal game with the the Bulldogs up by 15 points on Tate.
“That (finishing strong) was the only thing I talked about at halftime,” Watson said. “I felt like we were playing pretty decent defensively and I thought we were taking the right shot whether it was inside or outside.
“My biggest thing at halftime was, ‘We’ve been in this situation a ton of times and we just have to go out there and not get nonchalant and finish the game.’ There were a couple of little spells where we gave up some open shot, but for the most part I felt like we did a much better job this game.”
Crestview-Tate boys basketball photos>>>
Message received loud and clear.
There would be no letdown for the Bulldogs as they kept the peddle to the metal and finished strong with a 69-36.
Zach Phalen scored the opening basket of the game for the Aggies (13-11) off and offensive rebound 30 seconds into the game. Tate’s 2-0 lead was its only lead of the game.
Rusty Moorer scored seven of Crestview’s first nine points and Marquis McClain scored the other Bulldog basket to put Crestview (17-9) in front for good.
The Bulldogs were up 15-8 at the end of the first quarter. Crestview never lost a quarter as the Bulldogs stretched the lead in each period.
Crestview was in front 31-16 at the half and 48-27 after three.
The Bulldogs won with strong play on both ends of the floor. Crestview played tight defense on the Aggies and seldom allowed an easy shot.
Offensively there was plenty for the Bulldogs to smile about as well. Moorer was the only player in the game to score in double figures with 21 points, but Crestview spread the wealth and the scoring.
Ten Bulldogs scored. McClain and Dakota Childree each scored nine points. Tay King and Damien Lett were good for seven points each.
With the game well in hand late in the fourth quarter backup senior post player Andrew Blackshear even got in on the act with a 3-point basket.
“I would say as team (this was one of the best games) because had a bunch of guys score,” Watson said. “We had a bunch of different guys play well on defense.
“I don’t remember anybody being dominant. As an overall team it was just a good team win and that’s what you want this time of year.”
McClain said there was no big secret as to why the Bulldogs were successful Friday.
“We were really just trying to get the W (win) today,” he said. “Coach said before the game the only way we win is possession by possession.
“We stepped up our defense today and that was the difference.”
The Bulldogs go for their second straight district title when they face Niceville in the championship game tonight at 7 p.m.
Email News Bulletin Sports Editor Randy Dickson, follow him on Twitter or call 850-682-6524.
This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Bulldogs dominate Aggies in district semifinal (PHOTOS, VIDEO)