Waddy helps Dawson start fast, end strong
ALVIN — Deprived of star power and the razzle-dazzle which often accompanies it, Dawson finds its workmanlike tendencies more than adequate in attaining the desired result.
The Eagles were up to the challenge once again Tuesday night, charging to a big lead early and rarely letting up in a 64-40 win over Clear Springs in a Class 6A boys bi-district playoff matchup.
Within the first 2½ minutes, Dawson (25-8) buried two 3-pointers, converted an offensive rebound and flicked an inbounds pass for a dunk to 6-8 senior Lorenzo Waddy in taking immediate control.
“Usually when we get off to fast starts, the other team begins to quit,” Dawson senior forward Jordan Marshall said. “Once you get them to quit all the way, the game is over with.
“They made a little run at us in the third quarter, but coach (Mark Barre) told us not to let up because (Clear Springs) wasn’t going to let up. We just had an answer for them.”
Marshall scored five points in the opening spree, and Eagles guard Hunter LaCoste nailed a trey for a 12-4 cushion.
Waddy would score two more baskets, and Dawson guard D.K. Thorn capped the opening period with a 3-point play for a 19-6 lead.
Clear Springs (15-21) never fully recovered.
Dawson’s advantage reached 22-6 at 7:08 of the second quarter on a 3-point play by LaCoste, and the bulge reached as much as 27-8 at the 3:26 mark on a putback from Waddy.
Clear Springs finally reached double digits at the 3:08 mark of the second quarter on two free throws by Kyle Burt, somewhat sparking the Chargers. Clear Springs scored 10 points in the remainder of the half, including five by senior Terrance Woodson, to close to 34-20 by halftime.
Marshall turned in a 3-point play just 16 seconds into the third quarter for a 37-20 Dawson edge, seemingly reigniting the Eagles.
However, the Chargers went on a 7-2 run to pull within 39-27 at the 5:40 mark.
With Dawson leading 43-32, the Eagles put together a pivotal 7-0 run to end the third quarter for a 50-32 advantage, putting the game out of reach.
Clear Springs didn’t have enough firepower to overcome that 18-point deficit in the closing eight minutes.
“It’s been a long season,” Chargers coach Chris Hairfield said. “My kids fought hard and did the best they possibly could.”
Waddy led Dawson with 23 points. Thorn finished with 15, and Marshall added 10.
Woodson paced Clear Springs with 14 points.
Dawson will next take on Humble or Beaumont West Brook in an area-round playoff.
“We’ve got good momentum,” Marshall said. “If we can keep it up, we can go far. Our press offense needs some work.
“As long as we play with intensity, we’ll have a chance against every team.”
OTHER GAMES
George Ranch bagged its first playoff win in program history by defeating Clear Creek 39-37 in a Class 6A bi-district matchup. … A layup from Kason Harrison with seven seconds remaining helped Beaumont United slip past Atascocita, 49-48, in Class 6A Region III. … Spring Woods beat Heights 49-40 in 6A, winning its first playoff game in 18 years. … Klein Collins defeated Nimitz 81-78 in Class 6A for its first playoff win since 2009. … Huntsville defeated Magnolia 50-47 in 5A. … District 14-6A champion Cypress Ranch fell to Austin Vandegrift, 46-44.