The score was football-like in the early going, and some of the action resembled football when Dutchtown hosted East Ascension in a District 5-5A battle on Friday, so it was only fitting that two EAHS football stars played key roles as their team held off the Griffins for a 55-42 win.

Baylor football signee Justin Harris and junior defensive tackle Cameron Wire combined for 23 points, six rebounds and two blocks, and speedy guard Jimel London contributed 13 points as the Spartans broke open a close game in the final five minutes, stretching a 42-38 lead to 53-39 and coasting to the win.

The Griffins went cold during that time, the EA defense got some key turnovers and Dutchtown wouldnt threaten again.

The win moves EA to 23-6, 8-0 in the district, while Dutchtown fell to 16-11 3-5.

It was a pretty rough game out there in the first quarter, EA coach Barry Whittington said. We got going a little better in the second quarter, but I didnt think we ever did get in a good offensive flow. Credit Dutchtown for that. Their defense did a real good job of shutting down the passing lanes in the first half.

We didnt seem to have any energy. We couldnt make any shots, and we didnt do a very good job taking care of the ball, he said.

Dutchtown had a 9-4 run to start the second quarter before the Spartans came back to tie it at 20, and the dogfight was on, though the Griffins would never reclaim the lead.

Both teams had players wearing No. 21 come off the bench to inject a offensive spark in the second quarter. Dutchtowns Ryan Brumfield scored eight of the Griffins 12 points in the quarter. Harris equaled that and added a block and a rebound for the visitors.

The third quarter was close. Nicholas Caldwells late 3-pointer pulled the Griffins within four at 38-34, but they could manage only eight points the rest of the way.

East Ascension has that spurtability, " Dutchtown coach Patrick Hill said. Regardless of what personnel they have on the floor, they can regroup and hit you with that second or third gear. They definitely know the game is 32 minutes.

And whats intriguing about (Harris and Wire) is that they can make those soft passes around the goal. Theyre a tough matchup for us. You just hope they might miss and you can get a rebound.

The dapper Whittington was sporting a jacket and open-collar plaid shirt, which he said was a change for him.

I usually wear a tie on game night, but I didnt tonight. Maybe thats why we couldnt get going tonight, he said. Im already thinking it will be a light day tomorrow, and then we need to start getting ready for McKinley on Tuesday.

LeAaron Cain also reached double figures for the Spartans with 10 points. Shedrick Smith had their two 3-pointers and finished with eight.

Neil Caldwell and Brumfield led the Griffins with eight apiece.

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Boys basketball: East Ascension takes physical game against ... - The Advocate