Defense carries Sumter Eagles to win over Clarke Prep

GROVE HILL — The Sumter Academy varsity boys basketball team played stifling defense in a 53-22 win over Clarke Prep on Thursday, Nov. 20.

Sumter led 14-0 after the first period of play on the strength of 10 points from senior Zach Maness. The Sumter defense held the home standing Gators to just six shot attempts while causing 10 first quarter turnovers.

Clarke Prep would get on the board in the second quarter, scoring nine points but the Eagles increased their lead to 28-9 going in at halftime.

The defensive effort continued to begin the second half with Sumter going on a 12-4 run keyed by six third quarter points from Blaine Winsett, who recorded 11 points on the night.

Ryan Moore and Christopher Spencer closed out the win with Spencer scoring four points and dishing out three assists in the final quarter while Moore added five fourth quarter points.

Clarke Prep was led in scoring by Wood and Larrimore with five each. Maness and Winsett led the Eagles with 17 and 10, respectively.

Sumter will return to action on Dec. 1 with a trip to Carrollton to take on the Pickens Academy Pirates and a game at Marengo Academy in Linden on Dec. 2.

Sumter – Truelove 3, Jowers 3, Newman 6, Spencer 4, Maness 17, Winsett 11, Duke 4, Moore 5. Team: 2FG: (17-49) 35%, 3FG: (1-2) 50%, FT: (16-29), Off Reb:13, Def Reb:18, Stl:7 Foul:7 Blk:2 TO:4

Clarke Prep – McConnell 2, Sanders 2, Bumpers 4, Newsom 2, Wood 5, Larrimore 5, Baugh 2. Team:   2FG: (8-28) 29%, 3FG: (1-7) 14%, FT: (3-4), Off Reb:6, Def Reb:20, Stl:0, Foul:20, Blk:0, TO:17