Bartlett captures 2nd straight Stagecoach Classic title with W over Houston
Bartlett did the one thing it was supposed to do in the first half: slow down Houston’s TJ Madlock. But, Madlock broke loose in the second half, finding his sweet spots in the lane, and he was in position to…
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Continue ReadingBartlett did the one thing it was supposed to do in the first half: slow down Houston’s TJ Madlock.
But, Madlock broke loose in the second half, finding his sweet spots in the lane, and he was in position to deliver a signature win for his team.
With seconds ticking off the clock, with the Panthers ahead just by one, Madlock had a chance to win the game for the Mustangs. He drove to the right, only to throw up a desperation 3, with Sylvester Thompson all in his face, that went to the far left side of the basket, giving Bartlett (14-1) the 46-45 win for its second-consecutive Bartlett Stagecoach Classic title.
The Panthers once held a 34-18 lead in the third quarter after Jefferson Walker knocked in a 3. At that time, Madlock only had five points and was still mostly ineffective offensively. After guard Nick Tarrance drained a 3, Madlock scored four straight points that were followed by a 3 from junior guard Alex Marshall.
Sophomore forward Zander Yates scored a basket right after that to cut the Cougars’ deficit to four, but a 3 from Wynne Brown Jr. pushed their deficit back up to 37-30 heading into the fourth.
Madlock, Yates, and Marshall were clutch in the final eight minutes.
Marshall drained his second 3 of the second half to bring Houston (11-5) to within 40-38. Yates followed with two made free throws before Madlock made two of his own to make it a two-point game (44-42).
Brown pushed Bartlett’s lead up to four from the foul line, but a 3-point play from Hank Pearson made it a one-point game. Madlock fouled Thompson after that to stop the clock. Thompson went to the line for two, missing both, setting up Madlock’s potential game winner in front of an energetic crowd.
“I was just hoping somebody can make a play, whether it was on defense or offense, and that play didn’t come until the very last possession of the ball game, where Sly did a great job of keeping Madlock in front of him,” Panthers head coach Dion Real said.
“This kind of reminded me of the Hamilton Heights game, where you’re up and you’re playing really, really well, then kind of let down. We have been having these letdowns too often this season already.”
Brown, who was named MVP of the game, led Bartlett with 13 points. Thompson added 12.
Madlock scored all of his 14 points in the second half and went a perfect 4 for 4 from the free throw line. Throughout the tournament, Madlock put the Cougars on his back with his aggressive approach on the offensive end. Real knew it was important for his team to slow down Madlock.
“To be a good guard at this level and definitely at the next level, you got to have enough body to get to the rim and finish,” Real said. “He finishes so well. His mind is just locked in. He’s a very tough guard. His name is going to be ringing quite a bit, so I was impressed with him.”
Yates and Marshall each had 10 points for Houston. After going 0 for 3 from the free throw line, Yates went a perfect 4 for 4 the rest of the way.
All-Tournament Team
Duane Posey (Melrose), TJ Madlock, Wynne Brown Jr., Takori Rooks, and Sylvester Thompson were named to the All-Tournament team.
Cincore sat out
Senior forward Jalen Cincore didn’t play in the championship game as he’s dealing with a foot injury.