Yoemen edge Franklin in overtime

Franklin

When The Yoemen and Lions played the first go-around in 20-3A play, we saw a low scoring, defensive battle.  Franklin won that meeting in come-from-behind fashion, outscoring the Yoemen 28-7 in the final 13 minutes of play to escape with a 43-33 win. 

On Friday night on the road at Franklin, we got a similar type of ball game. The only difference between the two contests was the outcome, as the Yoemen did just enough to pull out a 47-45 overtime win. 

This is the fourth win in the last five 20-3A games for Cameron (5-4), but this one meant a little more to everyone involved.  Yoe coach Ed Glendening has won over 400 games in his coaching career, and this one will go down as one of the most memorable.

“I want to compliment our seniors,” said Glending.  “Four years ago, we wanted to build a program to compete with better programs and we're excited.”

Cameron led by five points with just 11 seconds remaining on the overtime session.  Franklin cut the deficit to two and had one final opportunity with just three seconds remaining.  After missing a pair of free throws, Dondrick Moore sprinted down the court, ensuring his team would not falter by blocking what could have been the game-winning 3-pointer as time expired.

“I was a little nervous at the time, but when he shot it I put my hand up and somehow blocked it,” said Moore.  “I was like, oh yeah, we won.”

The entire game did not have much offensive flow, as only 80 combined points were scored in the first four periods.  However, Cameron stuck to the game plan of getting stops and putting together just enough offense. 

“We didn't play perfect, but we executed perfect,” said Glendening.  That is really what they did.  We had a great game plan.  We are still missing a player or two that are hurt.  Our guards did a tremendous job tonight.  We are asking them to have the ball in their hands, and I couldn't have asked for a better performance.

Cameron’s guard Sicory Smith helped lead the defensive charge with four steals in the first half.  Franklin finished with 20 turnovers on the night.

“We knew that we would have to play our role,” said Smith.  “Coach told us that we were going to have to play defense and create turnovers.  I knew that was my role and that is what we did.”

Cameron had just one field goal in the fourth (40-40) and then again in the overtime period.  The difference down the stretch was free throws, in particular with guard Danny Perez, who had three in overtime.  The last pair were the final points for Cameron in what was the difference in the final score.

“I did all I could and it turned out good,” said Perez. 

Perez had 13 points.  LaRondre Booze had 4 of the 13 field goals for Cameron and finished with 11 points.  Smith and Kevondre Wesley each had 8. 

Lexington

For Cameron, just enough offense and a hard-nosed defensive effort is what has won games this season.  On Tuesday night, Cameron held down Lexington’s scoring but could not put enough points on the board in a 44-39 loss.

The two teams came in tied for third in the district standings at 5-4, and Lexington coach Michael Williams knew how important this game was to his team.

“It is kind of a log jam second through fifth place,” said Williams.  “There are five teams in the running and only four spots, so for us to sweep Cameron just helps us tremendously.  We have to take care of business down the stretch.”

The tone in this game was set early.  Lexington managed to hit seven shots in the first while Cameron only had three and trailed 14-7 after one. 

“We played great defense,” said Glendening.  “We did not play as a team tonight offensively. We did against Franklin and tonight we didn't”. 

Cameron went on a 10-0 in the second period.  Wesley finished off the run with a pair of free throws, which tied the game at 17.  Cameron led at the break, 19-18. 

Cameron extended that advantage to 31-27 in the third.  But, just like the first, Cameron only made three shots from the floor in the deciding fourth period. 

Sophomore Jordan Kerr had 25 points in Lexington’s first win over Cameron.  The guard only had five on this night, but the points came at the right time as Kerr hit a transition layup to put the Eagles up by five with just seconds remaining. 

Booze scored in every quarter and had 10 for Cameron.  Perez hit two three pointers and finished with 10.  Wesley had 6 points, all coming from the free throw line.  Smith also had 6. 

Other district results: Academy 68 Hearne 63; Jarrell 56 Rogers 31; Franklin 58 Rockdale 43. 

20-3A Standings: 1. Jarrell (10-0); 2. Franklin (7-3); 3. Lexington (6-4); 4. Cameron Yoe (5-5); 4. Hearne (5-5); 6. Academy (4-6); 7. Rogers (3-7); 8. Rockdale (0-10).Yoemen