2012-2013 Game Summaries

Welch College 82, Georgia Northwestern Tech 74

The 2012 Flames Classic ended Saturday afternoon, November 10, with the Flames taking on Georgia Northwestern Tech. After losing two close games the previous two nights, the Flames came out with energy and drive, determined not to repeat the previous two outcomes. The entire team contributed with points and stats coming from all over the Flames roster. The Flames were able to secure control and see the game through to the final buzzer, beating the Bobcats 82 – 74.

Flames’ Head Coach Nathan Willhite said, “This was a great team win. We executed, took better shots, and hit our free throws. I’m proud of our effort and couldn’t be happier with our performance.”

Welch College 59, Piedmont International University 66

It was a quick turn around for the Flames who played their second game in two days Friday night, November 9, as part of the 2012 Flames Classic. The Flames faced off against the Piedmont International University Bruins in the second game of the classic in front of an excited Welcomes Days crowd. It was another close game as neither team was ever able to pull away. Despite a valiant defensive effort, the Flames were unable to maintain a lead they held through much of the game and fell to the Bruins 66 – 59.

“We didn’t execute,” Flames’ head coach Nathan Willhite said. “Our defense was good enough to win; we just looked lost on offense. We had our chances, we just let it slip away.”

The Flames were led in scoring and rebounding by Kendred Sides who had his third double/double of the season with 15 points and 10 rebounds.

Welch College 71, Trinity 82

The Flames’ first home game of the 2012-2013 season took place as part of the 2012 Flames Classic Thursday night, November 8, and saw them square off against the Eagles of Trinity Baptist College. The Flames were without their starting point guard Thomas Bailey who was unable to play due to a foot injury. The game was kept close and exciting throughout and included multiple ties and lead changes. However, with a little over eight minutes left in the second half, the Flames found themselves down two possessions and were never able to reduce the deficit to fewer than six points. As the game wound to a close, the Eagles hit big free throws to secure the win, beating the Flames 82 – 71.

“We just lost our composure,” Flames’ head coach Nathan Willhite said after the game. “Our youth and inexperience combined with missed free throws really hurt us.”

Free throws were a big story in the game as the visiting eagles shot 87% from the line while the Flames shot only 62%.

Jake Manning led the Flames with 29 points. Kendred Sides added 21 and pulled down nine rebounds.

Welch College Flames Open with Three Wins

The Flames opened their 2012-13 campaign on the road with a trip to Virginia and Washington D.C. and came away with three wins.

The first stop for the Flames found them in Fort Royal, VA on Thursday night (November 1) where they took on the Crusaders of Christendom College. The Flames played well from the opening tip off, beating the Crusaders 86 – 50. Kendred Sides had a double/double as he led the Flames with 20 points and 10 rebounds.

Friday night (November 2) was much the same story as the Flames travelled on to Purcellville, VA to face the Sentinels of Patrick Henry College. The Flames made the most of their opportunities early and defeated the Sentinels 92 – 53. Kendred Sides and Jake Manning led the team in scoring with 18 apiece. Corey King had a double/double with 16 points and 11 rebounds, and Thomas bailey added ten points and dished out 9 assists.

The final game of the four-day trip came on Saturday (November 3) and saw the Flames matched up against Washington Bible College in Lanham, Maryland just outside of Washington D.C. Unlike the previous two games in the week, it became clear early that this would not be an easy win for the Flames.

The first half was close, with the Flames going into the locker room down seven.

Throughout the course of the second half, the deficit increased to fourteen. The Flames continued to fight however, and were able to pull close in the closing minutes. After forcing several big turnovers which they converted into points on the other end, the Flames regained the lead. Washington began to foul to stop the clock, but the Flames would not be denied, hitting all of their free throws in the clutch and sealing the victory. Jake Manning had a monster performance which included 27 points, 5 rebounds, 3 assist, and 4 steals. Kendred Sides added 16 points and 10 rebounds giving him his second double/double of the three-game trip.

“We had a great weekend,” said Flames’ head coach, Nathan Willhite. “We played aggressive and I think our first two games gave us confidence in ourselves, and we were able to pull out the third game.”