The Wakefield Warriors’ once-promising season took a turn for the worse last Friday night after coach Tony Bentley suspended five players for violating team rules for that night’s game against Mount Vernon. Seniors Johnathan Ford, Romeo Goffney, Andre Allen, and Jerod Brown were the most notable absences from the lineup as Wakefield struggled against the Majors, losing 89-61 in what was supposed to be a pivotal National District matchup.
Ford was leading the National District in scoring going into Friday’s contest, while Brown is Bentley’s nephew.
“They basically violated team rules and we have to stick with our team rules no matter who we’re playing,” said Bentley, who declined to comment specifically on what rules were broken. “The guys who played, played well, and hopefully we sent a message to the guys who violated the team rules.”
The loss was Wakefield’s third straight after starting the season 9-1. The defeat dropped the Warriors to 1-2 in National District play.
The game wasn’t without its bright spots, though, as Wakefield was able to stay competitive, trailing by just one at halftime against a loaded Mount Vernon squad. Seniors Corey Levenberry (15 points) and Simeon Denny (13 points) did admirable jobs trying to fill the void, but the losses of four key players was too much in the long haul.
Senior Robel Getu, usually the team’s catalyst off the bench, was forced into the starting lineup and finished with 12 points and seven rebounds. Bentley said Friday night he was still uncertain whether his five suspended players would suit up for Tuesday’s game against Falls Church, which occurred after the Connection’s press time. Wakefield takes on Arlington rival Washington-Lee this Friday night.
“We need to get all our problems out, work out the kinks, and be better next time we come out,” said Denny.