Tillery, Clausen, Ashcraft with Endsley drop trifectas to surge Panthers in total domination win against ACA, 69-19
MAGNET COVE — The blazing shooting display on the court at Magnet Cove High School Gymnasium this season has been an X factor in dominant victories for the Magnet Cove Panthers. Last Thursday in Panther Country, it was raining trifectas from downtown by the Panthers that helped secure a 50-point victory against Arkansas Christian Academy Knights 6919 for non-conference senior high boys basketball action.
The return of pure shooter Owen Tillery with Evin Ashcraft and Jacob Clausen all posted in double-figures and drilled multiple trifectas beyond the arc to provide the productive offensive execution. Tillery led all scorers with 13 points, while Clausen finished with 11 points and Ashcraft had 10 points to round out the trio triple-threat in double-figures. Tillery and Clausen each drained three trifectas apiece of 3-pointers and Ashcraft knocked down two from downtown.
While the offense was productive by the Panthers, the defensive force and presence of big man Kizer Kidder controlled the paint with multiple blocks during both the first and second half.
Magnet Cove finished the opening period with a 20-4 lead over the Knights. In the second period, Magnet Cove outplayed the Knights by their pressure defense and ball movement to pass around their opponents’ defensive execution. The Panthers outscored ACA 19-5 in the second quarter. At the break, the Panthers led the Knights—39-9.
In the second half, the Panthers maintained their domination and poured 16 points in the basket in the third quarter, then added 14 points in the fourth quarter that put the icing on the cake to secure victory. Magnet Cove led 55-11 at end the of the third quarter, which led to the sportsmanship to go into effect in the fourth quarter for the final eight minutes of play.
For the game, Panthers’ Levi Horton contributed eight points, Layne Evans had seven points, Nathan Wetherington posted six points and Kevin Endsley finished with five points and
busted the net to hit a trifecta beyond the arc—totaling nine 3-pointers made as a team. Jace Beckwith provided high energy and scored four points, Zack Brown finished with three points and big man Kidder contributed two points from a productive defensive ef
fort around the pain area.
The Panthers will recharge to go full speed for more hoop action this week to continue the 2020-2021 basketball season for senior high boys competition—led by Magnet Cove basketball head coach Matt Williamson.