By Kev Moyé
News-Times Staff
SMACKOVER – The Junction City Dragons outlasted Smackover 57-55 Saturday in the final of the Buckaroo Holiday Tournament.
The Dragons – playing only their second game of the season – showcased poise and determination late in the fourth to hold on for an entertaining victory.
“We helped make it a tight game late because we took some horrible shots,” Junction City coach Kendall Hutcheson said. “But, this is the kind of game you want early in the year. These are the kind of games, against good teams like Smackover, that make us better.”
After three quarters were complete, Smackover trailed 44-38.
With just over five minutes remaining in the game, following a free throw by Jalen Davis, the Dragons held a 47-39 advantage. Moments later, Davis made a shot in the lane to give the Dragons another 8-point lead. Despite Junction City holding a nice cushion, Smackover (6-2) refused to go away.
“At one point we were down eight. It was at that time in which we had to give ourselves a chance, or they were going to run away with it,” said Buckaroo coach David Preston. “I told the players that we had to calm down and play our game. It’s just two stops and a couple of scores and we’re right back in it. That’s what they did.”
The Buckaroos took heed to Preston’s advice and remained in contention by asserting themselves on the defensive end of the floor. In the process, Smackover cut Junction City’s lead to two, twice in the fourth. The Buckaroos last pulled to within two of Junction City with 44.5 seconds left to play when Khalil Lowery made a shot on a nifty drive to the bucket. Immediately after the ball fell through the net, Preston requested a timeout.
However, due to a perfectly executed play, Junction City would soon go up by two scores.
Following the timeout, the Dragons added to their lead shortly after Terrell Gibson used a screen to ease away from Smackover’s press. The ball was heaved in Gibson’s direction as he caught the pass and quickly maneuvered down the court. Eventually, Gibson made a layup to increase the Dragon lead to 53-49 with just under 30 seconds remaining in regulation.
“That’s a designed play. We look to see if there’s a safety. The play is even called, “Safety”. If we call it, that’s what we’re looking to do,” Hutcheson stated. “We saw that we had an opening. You always take points if you can get them that late in the game. It’s better than getting fouled.
“But, that play was something we had drawn up. It worked out well for us. “
Smackover’s coach credited Junction City with making an outstanding play.
“That play, we knew was going to happen and they executed it well,” Preston said. “They came across and set a good screen on the guy who was supposed to be defending him and he couldn’t get over the top. We didn’t communicate well. The guy who got screened didn’t hear anybody calling it.”
In the remaining moments of the game, 6-5 senior Tyrus Grayson twice stepped to the freethrow line and made a pair of shots to help the Dragons remain in control. Smackover cut the Jucntion City lead to 57-55 when D.J. Lewis made a 3-pointer with under two seconds left to play.
Hutcheson was impressed with how Grayson performed in the closing moments of the game.
“We made some free throws late, Tyrus stepped up and made big free throws for us. That’s what your best player is supposed to do,” the coach said. “Some of our young guys made poor shot decisions, but we’ll learn from that and improve.”
Early on, Smackover was in control of the game.
The Buckaroos jumped out to an 11-2 first quarter lead. But, Junction City (2-0) battled back and would claim a 17-12 lead heading into the second period. When the intermission arrived, Smackover trailed 24-23.
In the third, the Buckaroos would fall behind by as much as 11. But, Preston’s team didn’t panic. Smackover settled in defensively and eventually sliced the Dragons’ lead to five when time expired in the third. During the fourth, Junction City held off Smackover to win the tournament crown.
“We started out slow and looked sluggish. Then we picked it up and built a nice lead,” Hutcheson said. “But, we made some mistakes to let it get close. Also, Smackover made shots and they did a great job of playing hard. A game like this teaches us what we have to do to finish better. This game will really help us a lot.”
Preston takes solace in how his team competed.
“At the end, Junction City made some plays. We missed out on some rebounds that could’ve helped us. But, give them credit, Junction City played well down the stretch. I think my guys fought hard, which I’m proud of that,” he said. “I told them afterward, that a game like this will help us win later in the season.
“I just want to thank everyone who helped with the tournament. It was successful and I’m thankful for everyone who helped us out.”
Grayson was the gamehigh scorer with 18. Keelen Ford and Hishmma Taylor both scored 10 points apiece for Junction City and Gibson scored nine.
For Smackover, Keiandre Purifoy led the way with 15, Lowery had 11, and Malik Collins finished with 10.
Strong 67,
Crossett 48
SMACKOVER – The Strong Bulldogs rolled past Crossett in the third place game of the Buckaroo Holiday Tournament Saturday afternoon.
Strong (8-5) held a 37-14 lead at the intermission.
The Eagles were led in scoring by Kyler Conley who had 13.
As for Strong, Marvalus Howard was the Bulldogs’ scoring leader with 25. Meanwhile, LeAndre Rucks and Malik Lee both both scored 11 points apiece.