Edison Makes History And Prepares for Playoffs

Ron Bailey, Publisher

February 7, 2007 – Last night, Edison High School (Springfield, VA) not only celebrated its Senior Night before and after defeating Falls Church High School (Falls Church High School), 71-40, but made history in the process, securing their first Northern Virginia National District title, in 37 years. Along they way, they also got in some work for the upcoming playoffs. In short, everything was flowing for home standing Edison, on Franconia Road.

The game itself was over early, with Edison leading 20-7 by the end of the first quarter. Senior Tim Ellison (20 points) led the charge - during that period and throughout – hitting a three pointer, rebounding, and getting to the line on an and-one drive. Moreover, the 6’4” swingman played four positions, and during the season has manned five.

Ellison continued his assault in the second quarter with two consecutive three pointers followed by a strong drive to the cup, and was joined by junior Kendall Wallace, who provided his own offensive outburst after Ellison’s: On back to back possessions, Wallace scored at the hoop off a nice jump stop, and during the next possession caught the ball against Falls Church’s zone, took two dribbles to the left, and hit a nice fade away jumper.

Tim Ellison played with Baltimore's Mt. Royal/Team Melo this summer, where he forged friendships. "I talked to them before the game" he shared.

With the score standing 41-20 at intermission, the Eagles continued playing hard, before clearing their bench with five minutes and thirty three seconds to go.

Throughout the contest, despite advantages in size (Falls Church has players over 6’2”) and experience (the Jaguars had one freshman and two sophomores who played major minutes in the backcourt), Edison deployed various zone defenses the entire game.

According to assistant coach Kevin Webb, doing so allowed the Eagle’s coaching staff to prepare for playoff ball, next week. “We’re still working on a lot of play for the upcoming of playoffs” he said. “We know we will have to play zone” then.

Falls Church’s coach, Tony Harris, looked at the game as a learning experience as well. “They have to know they have to play strong as this level” said the third year Jaguar coach of his team. “I’m happy as long as they are learning…They know it’s possible”.

Tony Harris, Falls Church's coach, is seen here coaching his team during the first half. The Jaguars will face Edison again next week, during the playoffs.

The Jaguars were led in scoring by senior David Acosta (14 points), and freshman Antonio Harris (5 points).

Ellison, one of Edison’s leaders and the school’s best player, rejoiced afterward. “It feels great to get it (the district title) on our home court” he said, later noting “Marist, ODU, Fordham, and Ball State” have all expressed scholarship interest, in addition to Marymount.

But the playoffs loom, before any college decision is made, and to that end Ellison remarked “Everybody is working hard” including not only his team’s six seniors by underclassman as well. “Everyone is keeping focused”.

The Edison Eagles