Sandies Soar Past ‘Jackets To Host “White Out” In Tuesday’s Finale
Monday, February 6th, 2012
<em><strong>Photo by Chris Boothe / Messenger Sports Demelius Simpson (#32) goes up and over an Alto defender during the Sandies 87-33 win.</strong></em>
GRAPELAND – Patrick Walker threw down three jaw-dropping dunks as the Grapeland Sandies cruised to an 87-33 win over the Alto Yellowjackets on Tuesday night. The win improves the Sandies to 6-0 in district play, and a win away from clinching at least a share of the district 23-1A crown.
The Sandies were able to spread the wealth as they dominated the ‘Jackets from start to finish in an impressive display both offensively and defensively. The defensive effort was outstanding for the Sandies, who held the Yellowjackets to minimal opportunities throughout the night.
The win sets up a pair of big games for the Sandies to end district play. Grapeland traveled to Slocum on Saturday afternoon for their road finale. The Sandies held on late to down the Mustangs 55-48 in their first meeting, and will look to complete their second consecutive season sweep of the Mustangs.
Slocum will look to defend their home court for their annual Homecoming celebration. In their last meeting the Sandies led by as many as 21 points, but a flurry of late three pointers by Reagan Bowman and Cole Lane would cut the deficit to single digits. Demelius Simpson and Patrick Walker would go on to seal the win from the free throw line, giving Grapeland the early edge in the playoff race.
In order to get the win the second time around, the Sandies will find themselves in possibly the most hostile environment of the year with the Mustangs celebrating Homecoming. With a crowd that is expected to be standing room only, the Sandies will have to take the crowd out of the game early, and play tight defense on the Mustangs shooters.
Grapeland will return home on Tuesday, February 7 for their regular season finale and Senior Night when the Lovelady Lions come into town. A win over the Lions would clinch the outright district title for the Sandies, giving the Sandies their first outright crown since 2010.
The Sandies went into Lovelady two weeks ago and walked out with a 62-50 win. Now back at home, the Sandies will have the chance to clinch their third consecutive district crown. In order to do so they will have to cool down the districts leading scorer in Jacolby Simpson.
Fans are encouraged to wear white as the Sandies hope to “White Out” the gym on Senior Night. The Sandies will bid farewell to four seniors on this year’s team including starting point guard Demelius Simpson and starting post Tylphus Walker. Cameron Boyd and Austin Boothe will also play their final home game as Sandies when the Lions come into town.
For pictures and a complete recap of the Sandies road game against the Mustangs, 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.
