Clarendon rolls by White Co. Central

CLARENDON 56, WHITE COUNTY CENTRAL 36

CARLISLE — Clarendon Coach Kendrick Hudson was still smiling in the aftermath of the Lions’ 56-36 quarterfinal victory over White County Central at the Class 2A boys state tournament Friday afternoon when he was jolted back to reality.

So, Coach, what about Lafayette County, today’s 1:30 p.m. semifinal opponent, and its red-hot shooting star, Andreus Dedner?

Hudson’s smile started to fade.

“We got a little work to do,” Hudson said.

Any idea what you can do? “Not really,” Hudson said, shrugging his shoulders. “It’s going to be a chore.”

Clarendon (22-9) will try to establish the same defensive presence it did in its victory over White County Central (31-9) at Carlisle High School.

It held the Panthers to 14 first-half points, including 2 in the second quarter.

Holding Lafayette County (27-6) to 14 points in a quarter might be more realistic.

Hudson said there is no way Clarendon can be successful if it allows Lafayette County anywhere near its scoring average of 79.0 points per game for the tournament.

“If they score 80 on us, it’s a big problem,” Hudson said. “That means the defense is not getting it done, the transition defense is not getting it done.

“If they score 80, we’re in trouble. I’m not ever planning to give up 80 points, ever.”

Realistically, Hudson said, Clarendon needs to take advantage of its size advantage and force Dedner, a 5-9 senior, to work hard for his points.

He is averaging 39.0 points per game in the tournament and 30.6 for the season.

“We definitely don’t want to get into a three-point contest, a scoring contest, or any of that,” Hudson said.

“We’ve got to hang our hat on defense.”

On Friday, Clarendon was led by big man Maalik Cartwright (18 points) and Tyrus Thomas (11).

Clarendon won despite hitting only 3 three-pointers and 13 of 20 from the freethrow line.

EAST POINSETT COUNTY 68, QUITMAN 46

East Poinsett County (14-13) increased a two-point first-quarter by outscoring Quitman (25-9) by 18 points during the second and third quarters to advance to the semifinals.

Levonte Taylor (17), Jonathan Gilmore (16) and TJ Bush (15) led the way. Jamarrio Burris, who led the Warriors with 18 points in their victory over Yellville Summitt on Thursday, scored 8.

Ethan Bradley led Quitman (25-9) with 13 points.