Seton moves on in VISAA playoffs

As Seton boys' basketball coach Dan Vander Woude exited his school's gym following the Conquis-tadors' 35-29 victory over Hampton Roads Academy, students showered him with chants of "Good job coach".

It was difficult for any supporter of Seton basketball not to embrace the euphoria which came with the Conquista-dors' win after a 10-year absence from the Virginia Independent Schools Athletic Association Division II state tournament.

"That's one of the largest crowds we've had," Vander Woude said. "We've had a lot of support in the community. A lot of schools are out on spring break and we've had a lot of alumni come out.

"It was just electric."

The raucous crowd cheered the seventh-seeded Conquistadors throughout the game.

And those in attendance were not disappointed with Seton's offensive output -- 13 points from forward Pat Stevens, including a crowd-pleasing second quarter dunk, and eight from fellow starters Neil Blanchard and Mark Sewell.

A defensive stand also highlighted Seton's win as the Conquistadors (18-3) shut down 10th seeded Hampton Roads Academy's offense with a two-three zone.

But it was what the Conquistadors did in the final quarter that allowed them to win.

Tied at 24, Seton pulled ahead by four after a Stevens jumper and two Blanchard free throws.

Blanchard also contributed from the free throw line. He sank two free throws to put Seton ahead 30-25.

Sewell countered the layup from Hampton Roads Academy's Erik Spatz with a free throw to push Seton's lead to 31-27.

The Conquistadors converted four of their final six free throws for the victory.

Once the final buzzer sounded, Seton students rushed the court to congratulate the players and coaches of a team that plays No. 2 Cape Henry in today's quarterfinal.

"It's something Mr. Vander Woude prepares us for, staying within the strategy," Blanchard said. "We knew as long as we did what we did in the last few minutes, we'd be fine."

Seton's offensive strategy also worked well. The Conquistadors showed no fear of driving to the basket to get Hampton Roads Academy's forwards into foul trouble.

Kevin Huang took a seat after being whistled for his fourth foul with 7:49 remaining in the fourth quarter.

Oz Kilinchan, another of Hampton Roads Academy's top stars, was held to five points.

"Oz is a great athlete and we limited his touches," Vander Woude said. "I thought he was a handful for us. That put a little bit of pressure on their shooters."

Still joyful several minutes after the win, Seton's players are turning their attention to their next oppo-nent.

"We've got to game plan for them," Blanchard said. "We have to stay with what we've been doing all year."

Staff writer Robert Daski can be reached at 703-878-8049.

SETON 35, HAMPTON ROADS ACADEMY 29

HAMPTON ROADS ACADEMY

Smith 5 2-2 12, Topping 3 0-0 8, Kilinchan 2 1-2 5, Spatz 1 0-0 2, Huang 1 0-0 2. Totals 12 3-4 29.

SETON (18-3)

Sewell 2 3-4 8, Wykowski 0 3-4 3, Blanchard 1 5-6 8, Vander Woude 0 3-4 3, Stevens 5 3-5 13. Totals 8 17-23 35.

Halftime: Hampton Roads Academy 18-14. 3-point goals: Hampton Roads Academy 2 (Topping 2), Seton 2 (Sewell, Blanchard).