Caissons Varsity Hoops Come Up Short Against FUMA

Caissons topped by Fork Union

By Whittney Coffey – News Virginian Correspondent

The Caisson Classic Championship is heading back to Fluvanna after Fork Union Military Academy downed Fishburne 68-41 in the title game of the annual tournament played Monday afternoon. The Blue Devils overcame a slow start and a gritty effort from a young Fishburne team to reclaim the tournament championship in a game that was very competitive for the first 20 minutes.

Using a 2-3 zone, the Caissons forced three early Blue Devil turnovers, helping Fishburne jump out to an early 9-2 lead. The zone continued to confound Fork Union for the remainder, and while the Caisson offense was slow to get started, Fishburne held a 10-6 lead after the first quarter.

“They certainly had trouble with our 2-3 to start with,” Fishburne coach Chip Crabill said. “Our guys were very active in it and they played with some great intensity to start the game.”

The visiting Blue Devils were able to find some offensive consistency in the second frame as Chris Bobo put the team on his back, putting up seven points in less than two minutes which helped Fork Union take a 17-16 lead with five minutes to go in the first half.

Fishburne all-tournament selection Glen Franklin helped the Caissons stay in it as the point guard found David Candelerio inside with a no-look assist and moments later intercepted a pass on the defensive end and finished the play on the other end with a thundering two-hand dunk.

“It was great to be able to finish with a dunk. It was my first one on the varsity level,” Franklin said.

Fork Union was able to take an eight point lead to halftime as the Blue Devils sunk a desperation three at the end of the first half.

The size and speed of the Blue Devils began to wear down the Caissons in the second half as Fork Union went on a 31-7 run to open the third quarter and effectively put the game out of reach.

A nice up-and-under bucket from Chet Berry drew Fishburne within seven at 35-28, but that was as close as the home team would get the rest of the way in a game that left Crabill encouraged.

“We played real hard today and I am proud of the overall effort. We just have to learn how to play the full four quarters and close out the game.”

David Candelerio led the Caissons with 15 points who fell to 1-2 on the season. Chris Bobo led Fork Union with 15 also.

Below Images by FMS Communications