Lions Complete Sweep Of Slocum

<em><strong>Taylor Therwhanger scores to help Lovelady defeat Slocum 63-51</strong></em>

Messenger Sports
LOVELADY – The Lovelady Lions would break a first quarter tie, and outscore Slocum 18-9 in the second quarter to surge to a 63-51 win on Friday night. In a playoff atmosphere, with sole possession of second place on the line for Lovelady, the Lions were able to hold off the Mustangs and pick up the big district victory.
The game opened with a tight first quarter between the two teams. Jacolby Simpson and Jordan Driskell led the charge early for the Lions, while Cole Lane and Fletcher Larkin got things on a roll for the Mustangs. The two teams remained close throughout the opening period, and eventually ended the first quarter tied at 14 apiece.
Lovelady would blow the game open in the second quarter behind an outstanding defensive effort. The Lions would hold Slocum to just nine points while pouring on 18 points offensively to take control of the game. That would be the turning point in the game, as the Mustangs found themselves a step behind the Lions for the remainder of the game.
Carrying a 32-23 lead into the third quarter, Lovelady was in prime position to pull away. That is exactly what they did behind the play of Simpson and Driskell. The duo was able to hit big shots throughout the quarter to extend their lead to 14 before the end of the quarter. Slocum would make a run late, but it wasn’t enough as the Lions took a 49-35 lead into the fourth quarter.
In the final quarter the Mustangs would finally catch fire offensively. Lane and Larkin along with Reagan Bowman would help pull the Mustangs back into the game. Slocum would outscore Lovelady 17-14 in the final quarter, but it was far from enough as Lovelady would seal the game at the free throw line down the stretch to pick up the 63-51 win.
Simpson led all scorers on the night with 23 points including a pair of treys and a perfect seven for seven showing at the free throw line. In two games against Slocum this year, Simpson is averaging 25 points a game, as the sophomore erupted for 27 points in their first meeting in district play.
Jordan Driskell continues to heat up offensively as the senior guard finished the night with 16 points to give the Lions two players in double figures. Senior Tre Sherman added nine points in the win with Taylor Therwhanger scoring six points for the Lions.
Freshman Alfred Simmons scored five points with Taylor Rich rounding out the Lions offensive attack with four points.
Lane and Bowman led the Mustangs on the night with solid outings from Connor Dickson and Larkin.
The Lions (4-1) remained at home on Tuesday for a non-district tilt against the Neches Tigers.  Lovelady will stay at home on Friday night when the Alto Yellowjackets (0-4) roll into town. Alto has been eliminated from playoff contention, and will look to spoil the Lions hopes of wrapping up a playoff spot.
Lovelady will hit the road on Tuesday, February 7 to face the district leading Grapeland Sandies (5-0). Grapeland stole a 62-50 win in their first meeting in Lovelady, leaving the Lions a game back in the race for the district title.
Slocum (2-3) returned home on Tuesday night to host the Latexo Tigers (1-4). Slocum defeated Latexo in their first meeting and will look to eliminate the Tigers from playoff contention.
On Saturday, February 4 the Mustangs celebrated Homecoming 2012 by welcoming the Grapeland Sandies (5-0) to town. Grapeland was able to narrowly top Slocum in their first meeting. The Mustangs will then be off on Tuesday before wrapping up district play on Friday, February 10 against the Alto Yellowjackets (0-4).
For a pictures and a complete recap of the Lions and Mustangs district action, as well as other area basketball news, check back in The Messenger. Also follow The Messenger on Facebook and check out our website at www.messenger-news.com. Chris Boothe can be reached at cboothe@messenger-news.com.