The Lamar County Trojans finished third in the First National Bank Holiday Classic basketball tournament, losing in the first round to Monticello before beating Central of Carroll County in the consolation game.By Ken K. Green The Trojans and Hurricanes battled in a tight game all the way to the end. It saw Lamar lead by two at the end of the first quarter but trail at the half and at the end of three before tying the score at 38-38 with a minute to play. After exchanging turnovers, Monticello scored with 15 seconds left. Lamar missed its final shot to fall by a final score of 40-38. The game, ultimately, was decided at the free throw line where the ‘Canes made 14 of 18 shots while the Trojans made seven out of 15. Lamar was successful on three more shots from the field than Monticello. Damian Battle, who was named to the All-Tournament team, led the Trojans with 11 points. In perhaps their best performance of the season, the Trojans took the tournament’s consolation game with a 59-51 win over AAA Central-Carroll. The game was tied after one quarter. The Trojans led by two at intermission but pulled away to lead 41-33 after three. The two teams played even on the scoreboard in the fourth with Lamar pulling off the win. Battle was again top scorer with 17 points. Camden Foster scored 12. Point guard Maurice Bloodser made a pair of crucial free throws down the stretch to help seal the win. The Trojans are 3-7 for the season but have won three of their last four, holding their last five opponents under 60 points and three of those under 50. Lamar is in the middle of a six game home stand after which they play only three more home games the rest of the season. Tonight Crawford County visits Barnesville. The Eagles have lost seven straight after opening the season 3-0. Friday night, 0-10 Pike County is in town and Saturday night non-region Temple pays Lamar a visit with only one win in nine tries under their belt. The Trojans beat the Tigers 66-34 on the road on Dec. 19. Tonight’s meeting with the Eagles and Friday’s with the Pirates will be the first time Lamar has faced those schools this season. Editor’s Note: The proceeding article was written by Ken K. Green.
Be First to Comment