Mullins' second half surge leads to win over Latta

After a 21-16, score at the end of the opening period, the Mullins Auctioneers appeared to be getting more than they bargained for, leading Latta by just five points, and getting outplayed defensively.

The scrappy Vikings trimmed a 12-2 deficit in the first four minutes down to two points with a minute and a half left in the quarter.

However, the Aucs got major production from Senior center Andrew “Chuck” Crawford, closing out with five straight points, and finishing the game with 22 points and 12 rebounds in the 80-57, victory.

Mullins defeated Darlington on the road in the season opener by a score of 62-58, thanks to Eric Smith’s 16-point output. Baskets by Tony Smith and Crawford opened the second quarter for Mullins, however, Kendrick Page, Deshawn Bethea, and David Smith led the Vikings charge, setting a 25-21, score at the 4:49 mark.

Eric Smith’s assist to Crawford the start of  a 21-11 scoring run to end the first half. Seqwan McFarland finished off the half with a highlight four point play, nailing the trey from the left corner despite getting knockdown to the floor.

Crawford shined with 15-points in the first half, while Stacy Wilson caught fire with 11 first half points and two blocks in the game. McFarland’s nine points and Eric Smith’s six points and three assists set the tone.

The Auctioneers’ balanced offensive attack continue despite Wilson and Smith dealing with foul trouble. Reserve guard Jeremy Leggette was solid defensively, and eighth grade guard Darnell Coleman’s all-around game dished-off two assists to Smith and McFarland to begin the second half.

Eric Smith’s pull-up three point shot increased the advantage 58-36, at the 5:08 mark in the third quarter. Brother Tony Smith’s three point play kept the party going with a 25-point lead a minute later. Turnovers allowed the Aucs to cruise into the final period ahead 65-42, where their depth and speed began to overwhelm their opponents. After a trey nailed by Wilson at the 3:51 mark, Latta’s Kendrick Page followed with a ferocious dunk.

However, Qwan McFarland answered in transition with an explosive jam session that left the “swingman” hanging onto the rim. With a minute remaining in the game Wilson slashed through the lane to punctuate the victory with the one-hand finisher, making it the highlight of his night after several attempts.

Coach Mark Gerald and the squad’s two wins to begin the season has them feeling good about their the scoring ability, with four players in double figures. However, as Gerald tweaks his rotation, he wants his team focus more on protecting the basketball. Wilson finished with 20-points in the game, while Qwan Mcfarland added 17-points, along with 12-points from Eric Smith.

In the State’s basketball preseason rankings, Marion and Mullins are ranked #4 and #5 respectively.

Other Game Notes:

Ruby Lee Wright’s 35 points and 10 assist helped the Lady Vikings pull away in the second half, outrunning the Lady Auctioneers by a score of 78-48. Ashley Godbold led Mullins with 16-points, along with 10-points from Danielle Edwards. Point guard Brittany Applewhite and Justina Williams added eight points in the contest.

After a slow start in the first quarter, the Lady Aucs came back from a 23-14, first quarter hole, eventually evening the score at halftime 30-30. However, Shanequa Galloway’s 16-points and monster 25-6, third quarter run blew the game open for Latta.

The Lady Swamp Foxes recovered after a close game that ended in a 52-46, defeat against the Lady Vikings. This past Friday Marion’s girls varsity team defeated Creek Bridge on the road, 62-20. All-State forward Rhodi Gause finished with 9-points, 12-rebounds, and 8-assist. Meanwhile, Amira Timmons and Geneika Brantley went half on 24-points combined, with Shaquita Taylor adding 11-points. Chana Graves led the Lady Warriors with 7-points, while teammate Janneisha Williams chipped in with five points.

Head Coach Pete Ellis and the Swamp Foxes improved their record with their second straight victory, defeating Creek Bridge 70-54. Point guard D.J. Gause and Carlton Brown both scored 18-points to lead the squad. Gause dropped 23-points in a 87-61, victory of Latta to open the season. Avery Burns followed with 12 points, and Carlton Brown and Kenny Reynolds each finished with 11-points.

The Warriors got a big lift from Freshman forward Charles Green with 20-points in the game. Zamario Cooper added 12-points for Creek Bridge.