Sandies Blast Tigers, Clinch Playoff Berth

<em><strong>Photo by Chris Boothe / Messenger Sports Patrick Walker (#23) looks to dish the ball off to a teammate while being double-teamed by a pair of Latexo defenders. The Sandies would roll to a 77-29 win over the Tigers, clinching their sixth straight playoff berth.</strong></em>

Messenger Sports
LATEXO – With their 77-29 win over Latexo on Friday night, the Grapeland Sandies have punched their sixth straight playoff ticket. Behind a balanced team effort the Sandies were able to complete the season sweep of the Tigers by putting forth one of their best all-around efforts of the season. On top of clinching a playoff berth the victory also leaves the Sandies just two wins shy of clinching at least a share of the 23-1A district title.
The Sandies set the tone early with a solid defensive presence that sent the Tigers spiraling. With their full-court press and solid half-court defense, the Sandies were able to force the Tigers into turnover after turnover, converting them into easy baskets. Patrick Walker would electrify the fans early with a two-handed jam to energize the Sandies to finish off a strong first quarter.
Latexo would be unable to keep pace as the Sandies kept with the theme of defense in the second quarter. On the offensive side of the ball, the Sandies would continue to cruise behind the leadership of senior point guard Demelius Simpson. The guard was able to find open shooters around the court, and the Sandies offense took advantage of each scoring opportunity from there.
Latexo would fire things up in the second half with a renewed energy. Creagor Elsom and Brendan Galloway would lead the team, as they attempted to mount a comeback against the Sandies. While unsuccessful in staging a comeback, the Tigers did show a lot of fight in the second half, as the Sandies continued to surge forward throughout the game.
The Sandies would finish the game strong despite most of their starters sitting on the bench. Grapeland could power past the Tigers in the fourth quarter, showcasing their overall team depth as they cruised to the 77-29 win, putting themselves back into the playoffs.
Demelius Simpson led all scorers on the night with another outstanding performance from the field. Demetri Walker and Tylphus Walker also added strong showings as the pair played well throughout the night. Patrick Walker had a productive game on the night, despite sitting for most of the second half.
Quadarrius Whitt and Cameron Boyd added another punch to the Sandies lineup with Javonte Woods, Austin Boothe, and Daniel Johnson providing solid minutes in the win.
Elsom and Galloway led the Tigers, who struggled against the #8 Sandies throughout the night. Despite the struggles, the Tigers continued to battle from start to finish, never letting up in front of the home crowd.
The Sandies returned home on Tuesday night, as they welcomed the Alto Yellowjackets (0-4) to town. Grapeland cruised past the Yellowjackets in their first meeting, scoring an 82-34 win in Alto.
Grapeland will take to the road on Saturday afternoon as they head out to face the Slocum Mustangs. Grapeland held off the Mustangs in the final minute earlier in district play, walking away with the 55-48 win at home.
The Sandies will then close out district play at home on Tuesday, February 7 against the Lovelady Lions. Grapeland went into Lovelady and got a 62-50 win in their first meeting, and will be looking to complete their first season sweep of the Lions since 2010.
Latexo traveled to Slocum on Tuesday, kicking off a three-game road trip to end the season.
The Tigers will be off on Friday, February 3 before traveling to face the Alto Yellowjackets on Tuesday, February 7. Latexo downed Alto 59-39 in their first meeting in district play, and will look to complete the season sweep of Alto.
Latexo will close out their season on Friday, February 9 when the travel to take on the Lovelady Lions.
For pictures and a complete recap of the Sandies and Tigers 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.