Richmond, VA- Coach Franklin McMillian, in his second season with George Wythe, knows all to well that when you're on top everyone is looking to knock you from the pedestal. Last season the Bulldogs were 18-7, this year they are off to a great start and at the top of the district race. While Monacan coming off a district loss from LC Bird, had high hopes in knocking the Bulldogs out of first and into a tie with the themselves and LC Bird.

From the depths of George Wythe locker room, loud barking sounds could be heard filling the entrance. As the undefeated Bulldogs came out of the locker rooms, they became silent as they enter the playing court for warm-ups and that became more intimidating. Everyone could see they meant business. Being undefeated at this point in the season is quite an accomplishment and every team is out for the upset. The Monacan Chiefs were no different, they were the team looking for the upset on this night. But it was the balanced offense and high-pressure defense of the Bulldgos that would eventually prevail.

From the opening tip off the ball was controlled by George Wythe’s, Shaquan Green who kicked the ball to Donte’ Hammond for a thunderous dunk to score their first two points. This would set the tempo as the Bulldogs put their defensive paws on the Chiefs, going man to man on defense and creating a few turnovers in the first quarter. Jesse Pellot Rosa took advantage of the turnovers to score 4 times for 8 points. Monacan was able to exchange baskets for a few minutes but the tempo and the lead again went to the Bulldogs off another dunk by Donte’ Hammond with 1:38 left in the first quarter. The crowd was going wild as the bulldogs pulled into the lead for good, ending the first quarter up 19 to 15.

Starting the second quarter George Wythe went on an 8-0 run to increase their lead to 12 points. Donte’ Hammond broke down court to take advantage of a Pellot Rosa defensive rebound, to dunk the ball for the third time. But was called for a technical foul, hanging on the rim at the 2:33 mark. Monacan’s BC Chavis was able to convert the technical free-throw. The Chief’s Ralph Brown scored 6 of his team-leading 19 points in the second quarter in an attempt to pull the Chiefs closer to the Bulldogs by half-time. George Wythe was undaunted as they took an eleven point lead into halftime, 41-30. Chris Green led the Bulldogs by scoring 6 of his 12 points in the second quarter.

After half-time it took 53 seconds for anyone to get on the board. The Bulldogs were looking for yet another player to step up, this time it was Donte’ Hammond who sparked the crowd on several dunks in the first half. Donte’ took over half way through the third quarter, with the big man hitting a 3 pointer from the right side of the arc at the 4:51 mark. Donte’ went on to score 10 of his 17 in the third quarter including another 3 pointer. The Bulldogs defense continued to take impress as they held the Chiefs to just 8 points in the third.

In the fourth quarter Monacan’s Coach, Bruce Henthorn, organized a Pow Wow for the Chiefs and Ralph Brown was his warrior, scoring 8 of his game high 19 points, as Monacan went on a 7-0 run starting the 4th quarter. The run helped the Chiefs to outscore the Bulldogs 19-8 in the fourth. After a couple of turnovers by the Bulldogs and a steal by the Chief’s Brandon Carr, time out was called with 1:54 left on the clock in an attempt to settle the Chiefs. Monacan's comeback attempt wasn’t enough, as the closest they would come would be 57-71 and the Bulldogs of George Wythe would remain on top for another week in the Dominion District.

From the very start of the season Coach McMillian said “A group can accomplish anything, if the individuals within the group do not care who gets the credit and that would be the key to the 2000-2001 basketball program.” And that is exactly what the Bulldogs did in the game against Monacan with a well-balanced offense. Four players scored in double digits; Chris Green 12, Tyree Evans 14, Jesse Pellot Rosa 16, and the Big Dog on this night Donte’ Hammond who scored 18 points, grabbed 8 rebounds, 1 steal, 1 block shot, 3 dunks and 2 three pointers. Hammond shot 5 of 8 from the floor and 2 of 3 from behind the arc. Who let the dogs out? Coach Franklin McMillian let the dogs out by coaching them to an undefeated season at this point and teaching the Bulldogs that teamwork wins a ball game not one individual.