Top-ranked Magnolia is looking to earn the top seed in next week’s Class 4A South Region Tournament, but will have to get past a talented Watson Chapel team tonight at Panther Arena in the finals of the 4A-8 District Tournament.
“Watson Chapel is one of the most talented team I’ve seen in a while. Talent-wise, they are the best we’ve faced so far this season,” Magnolia coach Ben Lindsey said following his Panthers’ 73-48 win over Camden Fairview on Wednesday.
As to a key to winning, Lindsey laughed and said, “To score more points than they do.”
The Panthers and Wildcats have met only once this season, with Magnolia claiming an 11-point, 58-47, home victory back on Jan. 4. The Wildcats defeated Monticello Wednesday to move into the district finals.
The South Region Tournament will begin next week at Star City, with the top-seed playing at 7 p.m. Wednesday.
Playing the Cardinals for the third time this season, Lindsey admitted it took a moment to adjust to what they were doing. But an overall solid defensive effort and a balanced scoring attack led to the victory.
“Playing them three times is tough, but there’s a chance we can meet them a fourth time,” said Lindsey.
The Cardinals led 2-0 early and the game was deadlocked at 14-14 late in the first period. Derrian Ford nailed a 3-pointer with two seconds remaining to give the Panthers a 17-14 lead after one period.
Leading by one after two minutes into the second quarter, Magnolia used a 13-0 run to go up 34-22. The Cardinals managed to score the final five points and trailed 34-27 at halftime.
Camden Fairview got to within five twice in the third period, but Magnolia led 53-40 following Adrien Walker’s 3-pointer at the buzzer.
The Panthers dominated the final eight minutes, leading by as much as 24 point. Magnolia closed the game on an 11-0 run and didn’t allow the Cardinals to score during the final 4 1/2 minutes.
Ford led the Panthers in scoring with 24 points, while Adrien Walker followed with 15. Colby Garland added 14 and Nevi Tell finished with 13. Devonte Walker provided 7. The Panthers knocked down seven 3-pointers during the game.
Lindsey praised the team’s defensive effort, especially the job Ford did on Camden Fairview’s leading scorer. But overall, he said the defense was “really good at times and really bad at times.”
“I think Derrian set a personal goal to try and shut him down. He can be pretty tough when he sets his mind to do something,” said the coach.
According to Lindsey, the Panthers had four unbelievable days of practices leading up to the game.
“I was worried about us being rusty because of the layoff. There were some spots in the game where we were,” he said.
Tickets for tonight’s game between Magnolia and Watson Chapel are on sale at www.magnoliapanthers.net.