The McLennan Highlanders returned from the holiday break running full throttle as they cruised by Loyalty Prep Wildcats 116-64.
McLennan was in control from the start, opening on a 7-0 run with layups by Jaylen Thompson and CJ Hall followed by a 3-pointer by Nick Shogbonyo. The Highlanders quickly built a double-digit lead at 12-2 just two minutes into the game. Loyalty Prep kept it close, cutting the lead to nine at 25-14 with 13:10 to go in the half. Hall and Jared Clawson combined for a 7-0 run over the next two minutes to extend the Highlanders' lead to 18, 32-14. McLennan continued to pull away, leading by as may as 28 down the stretch, and held the 59-36 advantage at the break.
The second half was much the same. The Highlanders opened with buckets from Clawson and Shogbonyo for a 4-0 run, 63-36. The Wildcats fought hard but couldn't contend with the Highlanders sharp shooting and swarming defense.
Jaylen Thompson led the way for the Highlanders with 17 points. Nick Shogbonyo, Mason Lockhart and CJ Hall scored 15 points each. AJ Barnes and Jared Clawson had 11 points each, and Omarion Smith scored 10.
Loyalty Prep: Demir Demiryol 3 0-0 6; Alfredo Cuello 3 2-2 9; Juan Alberto Sanchez 2 1-2 6; Luis Pena5 2-2 12; John Monzele 7 2-4 17; Cagatay Soylu 2 0-0 5; Gaddiel Akele 5 0-0 11; Totals: 26 9-12 64.
McLennan: Nick Shogbonyo 4 5-5 15; CJ Hall 6 0-0 15; Dayvaughn Froe 2 0-0 4; Jaylen Thompson 6 2-2 17; A.J. Barnes 4 2-2 11; Jared Clawson 4 2-2 11; Jahmar Brown 3 0-0 8; Omarion Smith 5 0-0 10; Mason Lockhart 7 1-2 15; Kaleb Pouncy 1 2-4 4; Cedric Kelley 2 0-0 4; Khalif Allim 1 0-0 2; Totals: 14-17 116.
3-pointers: Loyalty Prep 4 (Cuello 1, Sanchez 1, Soylu 1, Akele 1), McLennan 12 (Hall 3, Thompson 3, Brown 2, Shogbonyo 2, Barnes 1, Clawson 1); Total fouls: Loyalty Prep 14, McLennan 10; Halftime score: McLennan 59, Loyalty Prep 36; Record: McLennan 10-3.
Next Up: The Highlanders host Panola at 2 p.m. Saturday at The Highlands.
