Senior forward James Singleton made two free throws with two seconds remaining to lead Baptist Prep to a 43-41 come-from-behind victory over visiting Estem on Friday in Little Rock.
Singleton's free throws broke a 41-41 tie after Baptist Prep rallied back from as much as 12 points down to secure its 23rd consecutive home victory and stay unbeaten in the 4A-2 Conference standings. Baptist Prep (17-4, 10-0) took its first lead when Issac McBride, who led all scorers with 19 points, made two free throws with a 1:10 left in the game.
Estem (14-5, 6-3) was led by Jarren Richards with 14 points.
Richards dunked to open the game for Estem to start a 7-0 run, then scored on a jumper and Jacob Profit had a dunk to gain the momentum. Leityn Sheppard completed a three-point play for Estem, and Richards dunked again for a 12-2 lead.
Daniel Cobb kept Baptist Prep close by making two steals that were converted into layups. Karson Kauffman came off the bench for Baptist Prep and made a three-pointer from the corner to close out the first quarter with Estem leading 18-9.
Baptist Prep had a 17-point second quarter to tighten the game. Javion Collins completed a three-point play and McBride added two baskets as Baptist Prep climbed to within 24-19.
Jake Sanders put in two baskets for Estem, but McBride made a three-pointer, James Renshaw put in a basket of an offensive rebound and McBride's basket with three seconds left in the first half pulled Baptist Prep to within two points, 28-26.
Richards made a midcourt steal and dunked to start the third quarter for Estem, but McBride's three consecutive free throws kept Baptist Prep close. He completed a three-point play to close the gap to one point, 36-35 with 1:24 to go in the third quarter, but Richards hit a jumper from the corner for a 38-35 Estem lead.
Baptist Prep turned up the defense in the fourth quarter, holding Estem to three points.
Renshaw scored off a bank shot and scored on a putback for Baptist Prep to start the fourth quarter. Estem turned the ball over on four consecutive possessions within a four-minute span, and McBride made two free throws for Baptist Prep's first lead.
Sanders tied the game for Estem with a free throw in the final minute, but Baptist Prep kept control of the ball until Singleton made a move down the lane and was fouled by Sheppard with two seconds remaining.
ESTEM (41)
Richards 7 0-0 14, Sanders 4 1-2 9, Sheppard 1 3-7 5, Encalade 2 1-2 5, Profit 2 0-0 4, Caffey 2 0-0 4. Totals: 18 5-11 41
BAPTIST PREP (43)
McBride 6 6-6 19, Renshaw 3 0-0 6, Collins 1 3-5 5, Singleton 1 2-2 4, Cobb 2 0-0 4, Kauffman 1 0-0 3, Bucher 1 0-0 2. Totals: 15 11-13 43.
Estem (14-5) 18 10 10 3 -- 41
Baptist Prep (17-4) 9 17 9 8 -- 43
Three-point goals: Estem 0, Baptist Prep 2 (McBride, Kauffman), Fouls: Estem 13, Baptist Prep 13. Fouled out: none.
Sports on 01/20/2018