England makes its free throws
JUDSONIA — In a firstround Class 2A boys state tournament game Wednesday at White County Central High School, the fourth quarter broke down into a free-throw shooting contest between East Poinsett County and England.
England connected on 17 of 29 chances in the final frame to secure a 71-64 victory over East Poinsett County.
That kind of production from the foul line is nothing new for England Coach Tyler Scott.
“Last week at the district consolation game, we shot 80 percent against White County Central,” Scott said. “Out of 20 free throws in the fourth quarter, we only missed two. It wasn’t quite enough to win the game, but we know we can stay close if we have to at the foul line.”
The Tigers ended the fourth by outscoring East Poinsett County 35-29.
England (26-8) advanced to face Parkers Chapel today in a second-round game. Parkers Chapel enters the state tournament riding a 17-game winning streak.
England led 14-10 after one quarter before East Poinsett County closed the half with a surge to lead 26-23.
Paced by sophomore Tamorous Dodson, England put together a 12-0 run that pushed its lead to 40-35 early in the final quarter.
“Dodson played huge for us,” Scott said. “He is only a sophomore, but he is gaining experience for us. I felt like he came off the bench and gave us a spark, especially inside. East Poinsett County was having trouble handling him around the basket. He got hot for us, and EPC couldn’t contain him.”
England finished with five players in double digits, led by 19 points from Tyler Woods, 17 from Corey Hunter, 11 each from Warren Green and Kevanta Davis, and 10 from Dodson.
East Poinsett County got 26 points from Jonathan Gilmore, 13 from Travis Joplin and 12 from Dee Buchanan.
JACKSONVILLE LIGHTHOUSE 74, CAMDEN HARMONY GROVE 40
Jacksonville Lighthouse punched its ticket to the second round by defeating Camden Harmony Grove.
Devonte Davis led Lighthouse with 21 points while Chris Mimms finished with 14 points, hitting four three-pointers.
Xaylon Falls led Harmony Grove with 16 points while Pacardo Thomas added 13.
CLARENDON 62, MOUNTAIN PINE 48
The Clarendon Lions swept past Mountain Pine. Clarendon led 12-8 after one quarter, 25-22 at the half and 42-36 after three quarters.