Marked Tree clips pesky Quitman

CLASS 2A

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 firstround 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 3837 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.

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. Malone added 12.

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 each. Warren Green led England with 16 points, 15 of those coming in the first half, while sophomore 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.

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.