CLASS 5A

Pulaski Academy slows Clarksville

ALMA - Pulaski Academy Coach Roger Franks told his team at halftime he wanted a little more effort on the defensive end.

The Bruins listened, and everything worked out fine for Pulaski Academy on Saturday night against Clarksville in a second-round match up at the Class 5A state tournament.

Pulaski Academy held Clarksville to four points in the third quarter and never looked back after that in a 64-50 victory at Charles B. Dyer Arena.

“In a game like that, the third quarter is so important in terms of how you come out,” Franks said. “We talked about coming out and having more energy on defense. We did a good job in the second half.”

The Bruins used a 11-2 run to close out the third quarter to build a 42-33 lead heading into the final quarter.

Clarksville jumped out to a 14-9 lead to start the first quarter and led 29-27 at halftime thanks to a late basket just before the break. But it was Pulaski Academy’s defensive effort in the second half that was the difference.

“That’s a good basketball team, so I’m just so proud of our guys,” Franks said. “We got off to a slow start and our defense wasn’t so good early. We just did a good job in the second half.

“It’s a shame for them to head home, but that’s how the tournament works.”

Pulaski Academy (22-5) was led by Marcus Wallace, who finished with a game high 27 points and a team high 9 rebounds. Lawson Korita added 23 points.

Jerren Thompson scored 14, Casey Benton 13 and Frederick Lee 11 for Clarksville (23-6).

HARRISON 71, PARAGOULD 63

Harrison (17-8) found quality shot opportunities early and often and used a strong third quarter to pull away for a first-round victory over Paragould (18-7).

The Golden Goblins made 22 of 38 shots from the field, including 9 of 15 in the second half.

Harrison built a 35-28 lead going into halftime and pushed it to 59-45 in the fourth quarter.

Jordan Grant had 18 points, Wilson Marseilles added 17 and Carson Jenkins finished with 16 points and a game-high 9 rebounds for Harrison.

Chase Brittingham had a game-high 23 points and a team-high seven rebounds for Paragould. Dylan Hoggard added 17 points, and Brandon Clifford finished with 14.

MORRILTON 71, GREENE COUNTY TECH 61

Morrilton took the momentum with a strong offensive charge early and never looked back against Greene County Tech in a first-round victory.

Marcel Swinton led a balanced offensive attack and scored a game-high 22 points for Morrilton (19-7). Jacarius Stewart added 14 points, Mickey Donald 11 and Juwan Calvin 10.

Tanner Perkins led Greene County Tech (16-11) with 19 points, and Landon Long added 12 with a team high 9 rebounds.

Morrilton took a 19-8 lead in the first quarter and pushed it to 50-35 lead going into the fourth quarter.

Sports, Pages 24 on 03/09/2014

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