Tyler Junior College, Wagstaff Gymnasium, February 27, 2018 –
The number 6 ranked Center Roughriders defeated the Spring Hill Panthers, by a 59-41 score, Tuesday in the Region II Varsity Basketball Quarterfinals at Tyler Junior Colleges’ Wagstaff Gymnasium.
The Roughriders came out shooting hot early, hitting five threes in the first half on the way to building a 32-17 lead. They got three 3-pointers in the first quarter from seniors Kaleb Parks, Kameron Elmer, and Jaterious Evans which helped the them gain a 17-5 by the end of the opening period.
Center outscored the Panthers 15-12 in the second quarter and took a 32-17 lead into the locker room at the halftime intermission.
Both teams started the third stanza out very cold shooting. Jaterious Evans hit a 3-pointer for the first score of the period and gave Center a 20-point lead at 37-17, with 4:30 left in the frame. The ‘Riders got 10 total points from Evans in the third period and CHS took a 50-29 lead into the final quarter of play.
Spring Hill outpaced the ‘Riders 12 points to 9 in the fourth period but it was a case of too-little-too-late as Center took home the win by the 59-41 margin of victory.
Center was led by Evans with 18 points. Kaleb Parks scored 15, Reggie Daniels 10, Jeremiah Hightower 6, Jamara’h Johnson 3, and Jayden Hicks scored two points.
Spring Hill was led by Tyler Caron with 13 points.
The Roughriders are now 32-2 on the season and are on an 8-game winning streak.
Center Head Basketball Coach Hiram Harrison said, “Our goal was to keep their them around forty points and we were able to do that tonight. We need to continue to work defensively and do what we do. We rebounded well and shot better than I expected tonight. I’m pleased with our offensive and defensive efforts.”
Center now faces Carter High School who defeated Wilmer-Hutchins by an 81-80 score. The game will be played at 6 p.m., on Friday, March 2, 2018, at Texas A&M Commerce University. The winner will face the winner of Friday's second game between Carthage and Lincoln in the Region II and IV Finals next Saturday, March 3.
