CLASS 2A
CLARENDON 56, WHITE COUNTY CENTRAL 28
JUDSONIA -- Free throws have been the Achilles' heel for the Clarendon Lions all season, but the misses weren't much of a concern Friday.
The Lions led White County Central by 24 points to start the fourth quarter, and their 10 makes out of 20 attempts didn't affect a 56-28 victory over White County Central in the quarterfinals of the Class 3A boys state tournament.
Clarendon advances to play either Bearden or Marked Tree today at 7:30 p.m.
Clarendon, playing on White County Central's home court, was never in trouble. The Lions led 12-2 after one quarter, 27-6 at the half and 39-15 to open the fourth quarter.
"Even though we were up big at the half, I knew we were in a hostile environment," Clarendon Coach Kendrick Hudson said. "With the score being what it was, it was obvious that we needed to pick up our defensive intensity in the second half."
Clarendon was led by Tedryn Nunn and Kalil Johnson, who both finished with eight points. Junior post Maalik Cartwright had seven points and three blocked shots in the first quarter alone.
Clarendon got points from eight different players.
The Lions led 6-0 before White County Central got on the board with a baseline layup from Hunter Jackson, the only points of the first quarter for the Bears. The Lions outscored White County Central 15-4 in the second quarter to extend their lead.
White County Central failed to produce a field goal in the quarter, hitting just four free throws, two by Garrett Finley and two by Jagger Myers. Clarendon sophomore Brandon Bonner nailed a three-pointer at the buzzer to complete the Lions' first-half scoring.
Clarendon opened the second half in a patient offensive set as the team looked for a way to get the 6-7 Cartwright open inside. Thwarted by the Bears' defense, the Lions settled for baskets from Nunn, Bonner and David Palmer.
White County Central suffered a blow midway through the fourth quarter when Finley fouled out with 3:50 to play.
Jackson put up five points for the Bears while Marlin Carder added four.
Asked what his Lions need to do better Saturday, Hudson replied, "Better free-throw shooting."
"We have improved this season, but we are still inconsistent at the foul line," Hudson said. "Free throws at this point in the year, you have to make, especially in close games."
Sports on 03/03/2018