James Kenan’s Stephone Stanley drains a basket on the baseline during second-half action against Clinton on Wednesday evening. (Rudy Coggins|mountolivetribune.com)
James Kenan’s Darius Howard (1) defends a shot taken by Clinton’s Gregory Coxum while teammate TJ Oates (10) looks on during first-half action Wednesday evening. (Rudy Coggins|mountolivetribune.com)
James Kenan senior forward DeMarion Artis (23) draws a blocking foul against Clinton’s Jaymon Bryant during third-quarter play Wednesday evening. (Rudy Coggins|mountolivetribune.com)
WARSAW — Defense and adrenaline fueled James Kenan to a satisfying, midseason triumph over a long-time rival Wednesday evening.
DeMarion Artis pumped in six of his team- and game-high 13 points in the fourth quarter, which helped propel the Tigers past the Dark Horses, 54-29, inside venerable Harmon Gymnasium.
James Kenan collected its seventh win against Clinton in their last eight meetings and ninth overall in 14 tries since 2017.
“Oh man, we got after it on the defensive end, just flew around [the ball],” Tigers head coach Taylor Jones said. “Our defense was really good. Our rebounding was hit or miss. We didn’t play well offensively, but it wasn’t for a lack of effort.
“For different reasons, our guys were really up for this game. They wanted it a little bit too bad tonight. We missed some things that we’ve normally been getting, but you’ve got to have games like this tonight.”
Clinton dictated the tempo from the opening tip.
The Dark Horses settled into a 2-3 zone defense that disrupted the Tigers’ offensive rhythm. Offensively, the visitors exhausted approximately 25 to 30 seconds off the clock on each possession.
Taylor described his team’s patience, fortitude and toughness on the defense end of the hardwood as “outstanding.” The Tigers permitted just five first-half field goals and nine for the game.
Up 11-10 after one quarter, James Kenan stretched its advantage to 22-12 at the break.
The lead ballooned to 36-20 through three periods.
“We’re trying to wear people down,” said Taylor, who can go 10 players deep on the bench. “They didn’t like it at first, but the other day we had a long talk about it. The results are you’re winning by 30 [as a team]. As far as playing time goes, this is how we’re going to play. We’re not changing because this is what the facts are, so I suggest you buy into it.
“It’s working out really well for us.”
Indeed.
TJ Oates and Jamaury Coe provided 11 points apiece for the Tigers, who rolled to their sixth consecutive win. Naszir Williams and Stephone Stanley knocked down six points apiece. Darius Howard scratched for five points in the scorebook.
James Kenan (9-3 overall) clashes with East Central 2A foe Southwest Onslow in Jacksonville on Friday, while Clinton (6-4) entertains Southeastern Athletic 2A foe Red Springs.
