McLennan Highlanders crush Clarendon in regional tourney

The McLennan Highlanders opened play in the Region V Tournament at Frenship High School in Wolfforth this afternoon with an 89-68 crushing of the Clarendon Bulldogs.

Clarendon's Tyrick Price drained a 3-pointer from the top of the key with 19:37 to go in the first half to give the Bulldogs the early lead. It was all McLennan from that point on. The Highlanders' defense held Clarendon to that one basket for almost eight minutes as they rattled off a 13-0 run to take control of the game. McLennan continued to pull away behind the strong shooting of freshman guard Garrett Shaw. The Highlanders overpowered the Bulldogs, extending their lead to 23 with just over a minute remaining in the first half. McLennan held the 45-24 advantage at intermission.

McLennan continued to dominate in the second half, keeping the Bulldogs at arm's length. Clarendon made a run midway through the half, rallying to cut the Highlanders' lead to 12, 60-48 with 9:24 to play. McLennan stepped up the pace once again and used a 14-2 run to put the game away. The Highlanders led by as many as 24 in the second half as they cruised to the victory.

Freshman Garrett Shaw led the Highlanders with 30 points including six 3-pointers. Freshman Xaiver Armstead and sophomore Daniel Pinho Severo chipped in 14 and 13, respectively. Freshman Javen Hedgeman scored 12.

McLennan will face Ranger or South Plains at 1 p.m. Friday in the semifinal round.

McLennan: Aaron Gregg 1 0-1 2; Javen Hedgeman 2 7-15 12; Marquez Cooper 1 1-1 3; Xaiver Armstead 2 9-10 14; Garrett Shaw 8 8-11 30; Jashawn Talton 3 3-4 9; Dayante McClellan 1 0-0 2; Daniel Pinho Severo 5 3-8 13; Jordan Skipper-Brown2 0-0 4; Sasa Vuksanvic 0 0-0 0; Malachi Barron 0 0-0 ; Totals: 25 31-50 89.

Clarendon: Davie Carter 7 4-6 20; Donovan White 0 1-2 1; Ellis Jefferson 2 1-2 6; Paul Corbin 1 2-2 4; Tyreek Price 1 0-0 3; Edwon Brady 4 0-0 12; Reece Brooks 3 4-4 12; Jaquan Horne 3 1-4 7; Shaviairre Murray 1 0-0 3; Dadou Traore 0 0-0 0; Thomas Clement 0 0-0 0; Junior Cesineros 0 0-0 0; Totals 22 13-20 68.

3-pointers: McLennan 8 (Shaw 6, Hedgeman 1, Armstead 1), Clarendon 11 (Brady 4, Carter 2, Brooks 2, Murray 1, Price 1, Jefferson 1); Total fouls: McLennan 13; Clarendon 31; Fouled out: Murray (Clarendon); Halftime score: McLennan 45, Clarendon 24; Record: McLennan 27-4 (9-3).