The Darlington Falcons won round one of the Farm Bureau Holiday Classic at Chesterfield High School Monday night by defeating Central of Pageland 72-68 in overtime.
Although the Falcons trailed most of the game, Darlington head coach Ken Howle said, they cranked up the defensive pressure in the fourth quarter and managed to take the lead.
“It really went back and forth in the fourth quarter,” Howle said.
Darlington took a five-point lead in the final seconds of the game, Howle said, but Pageland managed a three-pointer to pull within two. Darlington followed with a turnover.
Pageland held the ball for the last shot, missed the shot and put the rebound back at the buzzer to tie the game at 59.
Darlington took control in overtime, however, Howle said.
The Falcons outscored Pageland 13-9 in the extra period and advanced to the second round Tuesday night.
Darlington was led by Donny James, who had 24 points and was 16-19 from the free-throw line. Howle said many of James’ points came in the fourth quarter and overtime.
“In overtime,” the coach said, “Donny just put the team on his back."
Howle also said the team received strong play from Elijah Byrd, who had 15 points off the bench for the Falcons.
“Our guys just played with a lot of effort and did a super job,” Howle said of the total performance. “Defensively they played great.”
The win set Darlington up against Daniel High School Tuesday night. Daniel defeated Darlington in the championship of the tournament last season.
The winner of Tuesday’s game will advance to play the winner of the Chesterfield-Dorman game in the championship tonight.
“We like our chances,” Howle said of Darlington’s shot at the tournament championship.
The Falcons were without Torrie Wright, who was serving a one-game suspension, Howle said.
Brad Knox also injured his ankle in Monday’s game and his status for Tuesday night was uncertain as of press time.
However, Howle feels as if the team has been able to create a lot of depth due to injuries and starters being unable to play.
The championship and third-place game of the tournament will be played on New Year’s Eve at Chesterfield High School. Darlington is guaranteed at least a chance in the third-place game.
Email
Facebook
Google
Twitter
Favorites
More
Advertisement