Hallsville cleans up at the free throw line in 62-54 win over Jacksonville
Nov. 17—Jacksonville led by as many as 18 points in the first half, but it wasn't enough to give the Indians a win in their season opener that took place at John Alexander Gymnasium Friday evening.
Hallsville rallied to down the Tribe, 62-54, to move to 2-1 on the year.
The Bobcats made a living on the free throw line in the second half where they drained 18-of-28 (64.2%) compared to Jacksonville making good on 5-of-18 (27.8%) of its tries from the stripe.
Jacksonville started off strong and led 18-6 going into the second stanza.
Following a Jermaine Taylor put back that came with 3:40 to go in the first half, the Indians expanded their lead to 28-10, which forced Hallsville to call a time out to regroup.
The Bobcats responded by closing the opening half on a 17-4 run, to pull to within five points, 32-27, at intermission.
A Grayson Magestro deuce that came with 4:05 to go in the third period gave the Bobcats their first lead of the night. Hallsville never trailed the rest of the way.
Jacksonville fell behind 49-44 entering the final stanza and was able to pull to withing two points after a Karmelo Clayborne bucket that came with 4:13 to go in the fray, but that was as close as the Tribe would be able to get. Clayborne led Jacksonville in scoring with 18 points, which included a pair of three-pointers.
Jayden Casel and Taylor each finished the evening with a double-double. Casel scored 12 points and came down with a team-high 14 rebounds while Taylor added 11 points an a dozen boards.
Rounding out the list of Indians to score in double figures was Brenden Richards with 11 points. Richards sank three shots from beyond the arc and snagged four rebounds.
Anthony McDermott of Hallsville was the game's top point producer with 27 points, which included four treys, three of which came in the second quarter.
Jacksonville will take on Little Cypress-Mauriceville at 11:40 a.m. Monday in the (Lufkin) Pineywoods Hoopfest.
JUNIOR VARSITY: Hallsville 49, Jacksonville 44
