In the first match-up of the DC Coaches Holiday Tournament, the Highland Huskies were able to hold on and beat the Dover Dragons at Our Lady of Lourdes High School Thursday evening.  Chris Hait led the Huskies with a game-high 19 points, while Kevin Matcham and Miciah Downing added 8 and 7 points, respectively.  John Salermo led the Dragons with 12.

The opening period began at a lackluster pace with both teams struggling to find their groove offensively against each team’s 2-3 zone.  Dover sprung out to the early lead 11-8 after the first quarter.  Play quickened in the second period as Highland applied full court pressure that stymied the Dover offense and brought easy transition lay-ups for the Huskies.  Miciah Downing’s 3-pointer with three minutes remaining in the half gave Highland its first lead of the game.  A hanging lay-up from Chris Hait on the ensuing possession extended Highland’s lead to 21-16.  The faster paced game worked into Highland’s favor as the teams headed into the locker rooms with the Huskies up 26-21.

The second half brought increased defensive pressure from both teams, but particularly from Highland as the Huskies limited the Dragons to only one point in the entire eight minute quarter and no field goals.  Highland extended their lead slightly to 31-22 as the teams entered the final quarter.  Dover inched closer in the beginning minutes of the quarter, as they capitalized on the over-aggressive, fouling Husky defense.  Knocking down free throws and limiting Highland’s second chance opportunities, Dover was able to narrow the deficit to only two points midway through the quarter.  A pair of key jumpers from Hait and Joel Palmatier allowed Highland to keep their narrow lead down the stretch.  The Huskies secured the win after sinking two free throws due to an intentional foul on Garret Heidt of the Dragons.