Marked Tree 53, Quitman 42
JUDSONIA -- Marked Tree made just enough free throws (5 of 7) in the fourth quarter to secure a 53-42 first-round victory over Quitman on Thursday at the Class 2A state tournament at White County Central High School.
Both teams set a furious pace over the first three quarters, something Marked Tree Coach Barbara Wilburn expected.
"I was not surprised, not at all," Wilburn said. "I've seen Quitman play and I knew they would be tough. The fast pace is the style of game we are accustomed to playing night after night. Getting the first tournament win, especially at state, is a huge step. We are trying to get back to the championship game, but we have to play one team at a time."
Marked Tree led 16-13 after one quarter after battling through a 10-10 tie. A 16-11 second quarter left the Indians in front 32-24 at the half.
Three consecutive Quitman turnovers fueled consecutive points for Marked Tree which gave the Indians a 27-19 lead.
Quitman climbed back into contention in the third quarter, closing to within 38-37 with 1:13 to play on two free throws by junior guard Trey Lovelady.
Quitman kept the pressure on the Indians in the fourth quarter, trimming the deficit to 42-40 before the Indians used an 11-2 run to close out the game.
Marked Tree got a free throw from Julian Booke and four more from Colby Malone to put the game out of reach.
The second half was highlighted by a 45-foot three-pointer from Quitman sophomore Zac Shue, who led the Bulldogs with 16 points, including 3 three-pointers.
Markel Perry-Washington led Marked Tree with 18 points while Malone added 12 more.
"Those two young men are our main scorers and that's not a secret with this team," Wilburn added. "We do have others who are capable and can put up points for us, but without Markel and Colby it would be more of a struggle for us.
"We are actually in the same spot we were in this time last year," Wilburn added. "We have seen Bearden before and we know we have to play our best."
PARKERS CHAPEL 66, ENGLAND 54, OT
Senior Nate Garrett-Evans led Parkers Chapel with 20 points, going 9 of 9 from the free-throw line, including six consecutive free throws in overtime, to defeat England.
Ameri Bell added 15 points for Parkers Chapel while Dawson Goodwin and Canon Morgan finished with 12 points each.
Warren Green led England with 16 points, 15 of those coming in the first half, while sophomore guard Tamorous Dodson had 10 and Kevante Davis had 9.
Both teams ended regulation locked in a 47-47 tie. Parkers Chapel made 12 of 14 free throws in overtime.
Parkers Chapel led 16-11 after one quarter and 28-27 at the half before falling behind 41-38 to begin the fourth.
EARLE 67, JACKSONVILLE LIGHTHOUSE 66
Travonta Doolittle scored 25 points and hit 10 of 17 free throws as defending Class 2A state champion Earle advanced to the semifinals. Darius Cisero added 16 points and Kevon Smith had 15 for Earle. Jacksonville got 23 points from Devonte Davis, 17 from Eric Miles and 13 from Jason Bobo.
Sports on 03/02/2018