Darlington boys basketball to play for championship
By: Don Gearhart
The Lamar Silver Foxes were no match for the host Darlington Falcons on the opening night of the Falcon Holiday Tournament. With constant pressure from the Falcon defenders, shots were hard to come by. In the meantime, Steven Williams opened the scoring for Darlington and Michael Green emphasized the intent for the Falcons with a resounding dunk. BJ Issac followed with a score. Braylon Green hit a three-point shot that bounced high off the rim, then the top of the bankboard before settling through the net. The next time down the floor he hit a more conventional trifecta from the corner and Darlington had mounted a 14-0 first period lead.
Michael Green opened the second period with a basket inside the paint and Maleek Taylor converted an offensive rebound to make the score 18-0 before Lamar finally cracked the scoreboard three minutes into the period on Nygel Eaddy basket. Taylor’s offensive rebound for a score made it 20-2. A three-pointer by Jacri Mitchell made it 20-5. Michael Green’s basket was offset by Keaton Braddock who made two free throws The two teams traded baskets before Darlington nailed a three point shot at the buzzer to set the halftime score at 29-9 in favor of the Falcons.
Chuck Keith scored on a short jumper to start the third period for Darlington but Braddock kept the spread at twenty. Michael Green scored off an offensive rebound, and Williams connected off an out-of-bounds play. Lamar countered with a free throw and a trifecta from Braddock. Another slam dunk from Michael Green followed by offensive putbacks by Green and Taylor and a free throw set the score entering the final period at 42-15.
Darlington relaxed the pressure in the final period but still limited the Silver Foxes to a three-pointer and two conventional baskets, the final one being uncontested as the clock ticked to zero. Darlington, who substituted freely throughout the game, was led by Braylan Green’s four points. Emmanuel Pendergrass nailed a three-point shot in the period as well.
Darlington was led by Michael Green with 12 points. Braylan Green tallied double-digits with 10 points. Lamar was led by Braddock’s seven points. Darlington now faces the Cheraw Braves in the championship game.
