Sumter proves too much for Demopolis boys

Demopolis (7-7, 0-1) scarcely stood a chance Friday when they hosted the Jaguars of Sumter Central (10-3, 2-0). Nobody informed the Tigers of such fate however, as they fought and clawed their way to within 12 in the second half before falling prey to the much lengthier Jags by a final of 73-52.

Both squads amassed 28 total first half infractions, including a technical foul against SCHS’s coaching staff during the pre-game warm-ups. Demopolis couldn’t capitalize on the two free shots they were awarded before the tip. but looked to gain early momentum from a fan base that packed the stands with enthusiasm and blissful optimism.

Donnell Childers looked to quiet the home crowd as he burst onto the scene in a big way, leaping over defenders, blocking shots, finishing around the rim and knocking down shots from the charity stripe. Childers’ 22 first -half points were good for two less that DHS’s team total. Fred Seals and David Low threw in eight apiece to help see their Jags cruise into the break with a decisive lead of 49-24.

Coming out of intermission, the Tigers sought a means to help them contain points inside the paint. Their 2-3 zone defense was intended to clog up lane space that had been completely dominated the first 16 minutes of action.

Kiante Jeffries and Demetrius Kemp led the charge for the ailing Tigers to start the third period. Jeffries came out sizzling, hitting the bottom of the bucket his first four shot attempts, including two big three-pointers to bring his Tigers back within 15. Kemp had a couple big time transitional buckets as well. Their combined 16 points would enable Demopolis to total 18 points in the third, giving them their best eight-minute spurt of the contest.

As good as DHS played the third period, Sumter Central’s Childers was even better, with 13 of SCHS’s 15 third period points coming by way of six made field goals courtesy Childers, enabling the Jags to enter the fourth period ahead comfortably 64-42.

Demopolis outscored their opponent once more in the final eight minutes but only by one as SCHS went completely to the spread-and-pass offensive approach. By this time, the end result had become all too apparent—with the final ending at 73-52.

Childers’ monster outing led all scorers as he would finish with 36 points, more than doubling the second highest point total from either team.

Behind him was Anthony Hudson who had 12; followed by Low who ended in double figures with 10.

Jefferies led the charge for Demopolis with 15 points.

Roderick Davis reached double figures with 13 points followed next by Kemp who finished his night with seven hard-earned points.