LORENA — Matt Ward is still working himself into basketball shape after his football season came to an end 11 days ago. It can be a slow process for a football-turned-basketball player.
That doesn’t mean that he can’t make an impact and play on instinct like he did Tuesday night, when his massive rejection of fourth-quarter shot gave the Tigers all the momentum they needed to close out a 51-37 victory over Lorena in the season opener for both teams.
“That’s the best block I’ve ever seen,” Tigers guard Taylor Jacobson said.
The Tigers were clinging to a 40-35 lead when Ward skied for a shot under the basket and sent it into the corner, where Jacobson tracked down the loose ball. The Tigers eventually got the ball in the hands of Josh Ramirez, who hit a floating baseline shot to complete what in essence was a four-point swing, giving the Tigers a 42-35 lead with 1:37 left in the game.
“That turned the game around big time,” Ward said of his block. “I was just trying not to foul him. I took my time and went up for it.”
The Tigers actually watched as Lorena whittled their 36-27 lead after three quarters to 38-35 with 4:46 left in the game.
From there, with Ward’s block and Ramirez’s shot leading the way, the Tigers closed out the game with a 13-2 run.
The Tigers’ defense was relentless as Lorena missed nine straight shots before getting a gimme basket with less than 10 seconds left in the game. The Tigers allowed just 16 points in the second half.
“We showed some poise,” Tigers coach Andy Dotson said. “That number 16 points can be deceptive because it was their first game on offense and defense is always ahead of offense early. Still we did a great job.”
The Tigers had a balanced attack on the offensive end. Ramirez scored 13 points and Laquintis Holbert and Taylor Jacobson had 12 points each. Antoine Fleming, playing in his first game for the Tigers at point guard, had eight points.
The Tigers also did what they needed to do at the free throw line down the stretch, making 6 of 9 free throws to close out the game.
“We all clicked together mentally at the same time,” Jacobson said.
Corsicana 51, Lorena 37
Corsicana: Josh Ramirez 13, Laquintis Holbert 12, Taylor Jacobson 12, Antoine Fleming 8, Matt Ward 4, Doshua Ballard 2.
Lorena: McAninch 12, Underwood 8, Dickson 6, Smith 4, Mathias 3, Palmer 2, Jeffrey 2.
Records: Corsicana (1-0); Lorena
(0-1)
High School Sports
November 19, 2008
Tigers start season with road victory
- High School Sports
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Tiger Tuesday: Final Round
The Tigers know their district opponents now. They’ve played them all once. Know your enemy, right? So let’s try to figure out where that first victory is going to come for 0-20 Corsicana.
- Golden Circle hoops: Lady Jags still ranked No. 12 in state The Hubbard Lady Jags (22-4) remained in the No. 12 spot in the TABC Girls Class 1A Division I state poll released on Monday.
- High School Basketball Box scores Here are Friday night's high school basketball scores:
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GC Girls Roundup: Lady Tigers fall to Jackets, 46-29
The Corsicana Lady Tiger basketball team suffered a tough 46-29 loss Friday night to the Cleburne Lady Jackets.
Amber Ames and Tauren Kitchen led the Tigers with 14 and 9 points, but it was not enough to give the Lady Tigers a victory. -
GC Boys Roundup: Dozier, Mildred beat Rice
Mildred defeated Rice 55-28 on Friday night.
Kevin Dozier led the Eagles with 23 points while Nic Shimonek had 16 of his own to boost Mildred to a victory on Friday. -
Wills: The half of it
Here at the halfway point of the district basketball season — or in some cases a little past it or a bit in front of it — a few things are certain.
Every Tuesday and Friday in District 21-1A for the boys is a dogfight. Four teams have been ranked this season. - High School Soccer: Tigers win Silver Bracket at Mesquite Tournament The Tigers took down the home team Mesquite, 3-1, on Saturday for the Silver Bracket Championship at the Mesquite Tournament.
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Tigers just miss out on first win, lose to Cleburne, 49-48
The Corsicana Tigers boys basketball team lost a 49-48 heartbreaker to the Cleburne Yellow Jackets Friday night.
The Tigers came into the game focused and ready to take on the Yellow Jackets. - High School Basketball Box Scores Here's a look at Tuesday's late box scores:
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Rice’s White, 4 from Mildred make Academic All-State
Rice middle linebacker Keith White said he’ll know sometime soon whether or not he’ll be the school’s valedictorian for the 2010 senior class.
He knows for certain he’s a Class 2A Academic All-State team member. - More High School Sports Headlines
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