Wildcats secure road victory
[adning id=”33097″]
The Sulphur Springs Wildcats hit the road Tuesday, traveling to Marshall for a district rematch. The Wildcats handled Marshall at home back on Dec. 21 for their district opener, beating them by a final score of 75-48.
Justin Haire got the scoring started for the Wildcats, scoring in the paint while also drawing a foul. Haire knocked down the free throw to give the Wildcats a quick three points.
Later in the frame Haire threw down a huge two-hand slam, thanks to an assist from Kordrick Turner, forcing Marshall to call a timeout with things all tied up at 11-11. A few possessions later Turner would knock down a 3-pointer of his own, as the Wildcats were able to take a 16-13 lead going in to the second frame.
Caleb Alexander provided Sulphur Springs with some momentum early in the second quarter, picking up six quick points in the opening minute. Alexander found Branson Lynn open for a 3-pointer, before completing an and-one of his own.
The Wildcats used the momentum and began to run away from Marshall, completely dominating the second frame. Sulphur Springs was able to create a 29-17 lead before Marshall was forced to use a timeout to try to slow down the Wildcats run. The two teams finished the final few minutes of the half matching each other, as Sulphur Springs went into the locker room leading 34-22.
The Wildcats picked up right where they left off in the second half, when Lynn found Cason Arrington open in the corner for a 3-pointer. Sulphur Springs played strong for the remainder of the frame, taking a 10- pointer 43-33 lead into the fourth quarter.
[adning id=”33207″]
The Wildcats entered the final frame with a double-digit lead, though they never took their foot off the gas. Both teams played strong in the final quarter, but the Wildcats never surrendered their lead, winning the game by a final score of 58-47.
Haire led the way for the Wildcats, finishing with 14 points and 10 rebounds. Haire shot an efficient 4-5 from the field, while also dishing out three assists and swatting a pair of blocks. Turner and Lynn were right behind him, posting 12 points and 11 points respectively.
Alexander had yet another strong game, scoring nine points and leading the team with a +12 +/- for the game. Alexander, who has shot well all year from behind the 3-point line, made two of his three attempts via the long ball.
Arrington added five points to the total, while Parker Whisenhunt had four points and Malachi Myles had three points.The win pushes Sulphur Springs’ record to 21-9 on the year and makes them 5-2 in district play.
The Wildcats return to action Friday, with a home game against Pine Tree. They will be looking to complete the series sweep, after beating Pine Tree 85-51 in their first matchup.
Friday’s match is set to begin around 7:30 p.m. Sports editor Tyler Lennon and his partner Grayson McClure will broadcast the game live on the Chad’s Media Youtube channel.
[adning id=”33207″]
