The Latta Vikings came from behind to defeat the visiting Baptist Hill Bobcats 62-55 in the first round of the playoffs.
Latta was 11-13 overall and 8-4 in A Region 6 play while Baptist Hill was 12-13 overall and 6-3 in region play.
Latta trailed by 17 points after the first quarter of play. Latta was guilty of only 1 foul in the first quarter while Baptist Hill was guilty of 5 fouls. By halftime, Latta had cut the lead to 7 points, 34-27. In the second quarter of play, each team committed 5 fouls.
Latta’s offense scored 19 points in the third quarter while holding Baptist Hill to 9 points. Latta took the lead by 3 points, 46-43. Latta committed 2 fouls in the third quarter, and Baptist Hill committed 4 fouls. In the final quarter, Latta scored 16 points and held Baptist Hill to 12 points. The Vikings committed 3 fouls, and the Bobcats committed 5 fouls.
Latta’s Xmari Bethea led all scorers with 19 points. He had seven 2-point baskets and 7 free throws. Isiah McRae added 14 points to the scoreboard with three 2-point baskets, a 3-point basket and 5 free throws. Joe Maurie Galloway had three 2-point baskets, a 3-point basket, and a free throw for 10 points. Shayon McGruder added a 3-point basket and 5 free throws for 8 points. Adrian McDonald had three 2-point baskets and a free throw for 7 points. Seth Minshew and Heath Mew each added a 2-point basket to the scoreboard.
Baptist Hill’s Jaden Douglas led the Bobcats with 18 points. He had eight 2-point baskets and 2 free throws. Martrell Wright added 13 points to the scoreboard with three 2-point baskets, a 3-point basket, and 4 free throws. Darnell Gadsden two 3-point baskets and two 2- point baskets for 10 points. Camren Middleton had four 2-point baskets for 8 points. Kyi’lann Gordan placed 6 points onto the scoreboard with three 2-point baskets. Justin Porter added a free throw.
The Bobcats’ Head Coach is Daykota Holmes. His assistant coaches are Kenyen Jenkins, Eric Hayward, and Karim Porter. Latta’s Head Coach is Chris Page. His assistant coaches are Malcolm Short and Clinton Brown.
Latta will host Hannah-Pamplico on Wednesday, February 19, at 5:30 p.m. Hannah-Pamplico is 7-13 overall and 5-7 in A Region 6. On Monday, February 17, Hannah-Pamplico defeated Allendale-Fairfax 63-58.
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