Warriors top Tigers to advance in tournament

By DALE STUBBLEFIELD / Staff Reporter for the Southern Standard

Ryan Fults (23) brings the ball down court for Centertown while being closely guarded by Irving College’s Justin Woodlee during Tuesday night’s tournament game at Warren County Middle School. (Dale Stubblefield photo)

Centertown advanced to the next round of the Warren County Middle School fifth-sixth grade tournament by downing the Irving College Tigers 28-15 Tuesday night in first round action.

First-half action saw both teams play aggressive on defense with the Warriors getting the upper hand in the opening period. Centertown’s Ryan Fults hit to start the game and Aaron Taylor answered for the Tigers. Centertown’s Tucker Smith hit back-to-back baskets and Taylor added three more points before the period ended. Drew Tanner, David Lee and Fults closed out the quarter for the Warriors as Centertown held a 12-5 lead.

Irving College turned things around in the second period with some pressure defense. Irving College allowed just one basket in the second quarter, when Smith hit with 1:10 remaining. The Tigers ran their offense, but had trouble finding the basket as Taylor once again had all four points for the Tigers as the half ended with Irving College trailing 14-9.

In the third period Irving College turned the ball over four times in the final three minutes of play. Taylor hit for the Tigers only two points in the period, while Centertown added seven to it’s lead with Michael Parker hitting for four points in the basket for a 21-11 lead.

Irving College scored the first four points in the final period, but Centertown closed out the game with a seven point run to secure the victory.

For the Warriors, Smith led with nine points, followed by Parker with five, Fults, Tanner and Lee had four points each and Tyler Anselmo added two points.

Taylor led all scorers with 15 points on the night for Irving College.