Lincoln Eliminates Gentry Boys, 60-37

GENTRY — Lincoln doubled their score in the third quarter using an uptempo game to defeat Gentry, 60-37, in the first-round of the district tournament on Feb. 12.

The Wolves led 16-4 early behind 6 points in the low post from Colton Barnum and 7 points from Dylan McConnell, including a 3pointer followed by a steal for a breakaway score.

Gentry showing a new look then cut the deficit to 16- 8 with buckets from freshman Mark White who was among a trio of younger players in Gentry lineup, including guards, Wally Dane and Jake Faulkenberry.

“The last 3- 4 days of practice, we worked them in there,” said Gentry coach Sean Price. “We fought back in the second quarter and got it to 8 points to give ourselves a chance going into the second half.”

Lincoln led 25-17 at intermission, then blew the game open by exploding for 24 points in the third frame to take a commanding 49-25 lead going into the fourth quarter.

“Dylan McConnell and Shandon Goldman really came out and hit some big ones,” said Lincoln coach Tim Rich. “It really helps that window and extends them on out.”

“In the third quarter they put a little too much pressure on us,” Price said.

Dane had a 3-point shot to score Gentry’s last field goal in the third but Lincoln answered with Ossy Escareno’s old-fashioned 3-point play.

Both teams played reserves in the fourth quarter and with the loss, Gentry was eliminated, while Lincoln advanced to a quarterfinal meeting with Ozark.