If you play a sport at Heritage Academy, looking ahead to a game against Starkville Academy is understandable. And the same works in reverse.
And sometimes a team can get in trouble if it looks past a supposedly weaker opponent toward an upcoming matchup with a heated rival.
The Volunteers did not let that happen on Wednesday night, racing to a 14-4 lead just 4 minutes into the first quarter and rolling to a 69-49 win over Lamar in the MAIS Class 5A North State tournament at Heritage Academy.
The win sends the Vols into the semifinals Friday against the Patriots, who have already beaten them twice this season. And Starkville coach Andrew Howell was already fired up for a third crack at Heritage before the scoreboard was turned off Wednesday evening.
“I can’t wait,” Howell said. “This is what it’s all about. It will be a great atmosphere, Heritage is obviously very well coached, really good players, it should be a showdown. I’m excited.”
Heritage recorded a 54-51 win on Jan. 7 in Starkville and a 59-52 victory on Jan. 25 in Columbus.
But any thoughts of avenging those defeats didn’t get in the way of taking care of business against the Raiders, who came in as the No. 4 team from District 2 while the Vols were No. 1 in District 1.
“Our guys knew what to do tonight, made sure to get it done, and then it’s all about getting in the gym tomorrow night, getting ready to go and then Friday night be back,” Howell said.
And the Volunteers were effective in most phases of the game for more than three quarters, leading by eight points after one, 20 at the half and 25 after three.
And it was a steady progression. After Jackson Redman nailed two 3’s as part of an 8-0 run that followed Lamar’s first basket, the Volunteers never strung more than six points together. It was just back-to-back baskets here, a 5-0 run there, and without ever taking a serious body blow the Raiders found themselves facing an insurmountable deficit.
Starkville was consistent on offense, putting up a four-quarter scoreline of 19, 18, 16 and 16 points. The defense didn’t let up until the fourth quarter, but even then the Raiders could not cut significantly into the Vols’ lead.
“I thought the effort was good,” Howell said. “I would have liked to have seen the effort a little more consistent, but Lamar’s a good team.”
Jordan did most of the damage for Starkville during the first half, netting 13 of his 15 points by intermission. After a scoreless first quarter, Rett Keenum provided a good chunk of the offense finishing with 14 points.
The biggest lead of the game was 26 points with 5:31 left in the game, when Alex Friedhaber drove for the second of his two baskets.
Jackson Redman scored nine points for the Vols, with A.J. Jones and George Delp each contributing eight
The tournament semifinals are scheduled for Friday back at Heritage Academy. Simpson will meet Bayou in one semifinal at 5:15 p.m., while the Patriots and Volunteers will tangle in the nightcap at 7:45 p.m..
“We’ve got to get locked in tomorrow in practice and get to work and play a really good Heritage team,” Howell said.
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