Yazoo City blows past Canton in battle of 5A heavyweights
YAZOO CITY — The defending state-champion Yazoo City Indians chose the right moment to put together their most complete game of the season.
Behind a balanced offensive attack and some key free throws, the Indians raced past rival Canton 69-42 in a Top 10 Region 2-5A showdown in front of a packed house on Friday night.
“They missed a lot of free throws which was kind of surprising," Yazoo City coach Anthony Carlyle said. "But there were some things that we saw that we did really well on. We knew it was going to be a tough game with Canton and Yazoo City being a rivalry for a long time, and the hype coming into this game was big, so we had to protect our home court.”
Yazoo City never trailed.
The first quarter was back-and-forth, but the Indians held a slim 15-13 lead.
The second quarter was the difference in the game. Yazoo City began the frame on a 6-0 run to extend their lead to 21-13 and the ended the first half on a 8-0 run to take a 33-22 lead at halftime.
In the third quarter, Canton scored five quick points to cut the deficit ton 36-27, but the Indians went on a 7-2 run to stretch their lead out to 41-29 and held a 45-31 lead heading into the fourth quarter.
In the final period, the Indians went on a 11-3 run to extend their lead out to 56-34 and sealed the game from that point.
The Indians (18-2, 4-0 Region 2-5A) were 17-of-20 from the free throw line. Daveon Henry had a game-high 19 points to lead Yazoo City.
“We came out playing well and did a good job rebounding and something we take pride in is free throw," Henry said. "We shoot them every day in practice. Defense is another thing we work on a lot. Guard for 94 feet, and the offense will come off our defense.”
Jackson State commit Tamarion Hoover added 16 points, while Damarion Winston chipped in 14 points for the Indians.
“Those are our three starters that started for us last year," Carlyle said. "And we expect all of them to show up in the big games like tonight, and they did. In big games, we know what to expect from our guys. And the schedule we play helps us a lot and gives our guys confidence and know they can compete.”
Jamarion Fleming had 15 points to lead Canton. The Tigers (16-3, 3-1) were 6-of-22 from the free throw line.
