JACKSONVILLE — Chapel Hill built a seven-point lead in the fourth period and made just enough free throws to survive Lufkin Hudson’s comeback efforts, hanging on to win 51-48 Tuesday in their Class 3A Region III bi-district playoff game at Lon Morris College’s Vivian and Bob Smith Gymnasium.
The Bulldogs overcame free-throw struggles (16 for 34) to defeat Hudson and complete a playoff sweep for District 18-3A.
Athens took care of Huntington 71-49 in the first game of the doubleheader. Chapel Hill (14-20) advances to face Waco La Vega later this week while Athens (24-12) will meet up with Mexia.
Chapel Hill-Hudson
The Bulldogs were able to stay in front of Hudson thanks to beginning the game on a 7-0 run, all the points coming from post Michael Harris.
Chapel Hill still was clinging to a two point lead, 25-23, at halftime and held a one-point advantage, 38-37, entering the fourth period.
Chapel Hill began the fourth with a 9-2 run to lead 46-39 on a jumper from D.J. Sammons with 4:05 remaining.
Then started the free throw shooting — or lack thereof.
The Bulldogs converted their first four of the fourth period, but after Sammons sank both to make it 48-41 with 2:20 to play, Chapel Hill made only three more, finishing the frame shooting 8 for 25 from the charity stripe.
Hudson couldn’t take advantage because the Hornets were missing theirs too, but a runner from Darren Simmons cut Chapel Hill’s lead to 51-48 with 27 seconds remaining. The Bulldogs forced a turnover and was fouled once again with seven seconds on the clock. Chapel Hill missed both free throws, but it didn’t matter because Hudson could only get off a long-range prayer at the buzzer.
“We need to do a better job at the free-throw line, I mean it looks like we might not have practiced that in weeks,” said Chapel Hill coach Robert Sampson. “I think if we make our free throws it’s not really close. But the kids fought hard (and others stepped up).”
Chapel Hill was paced by 15 points from Sammons and 10 by Harris.
Andrew Tucker also had eight points, 11 rebounds and six assists while Jeremy Threlkeld finished with 11 rebounds and five blocks for the Bulldogs.
Athens-Huntington
Athens' win over Huntington did not have near as much drama, but it did deliver several highlight reel dunks by the Hornets.
Athens used transition offense to wear down Huntington, eventually easing to a double-digit win.
The Hornets led 16-11 at the end of the first period and held a three-point lead, 22-19 with 5 minutes to go in the half.
Athens used a 10-0 run to take over the game, most of it coming off of steals as the Hornets finished with 17 as a team, led by five from Terrance Behan, who accentuated his last thievery with a one-handed slam dunk in the closing minute of the game. Athens also had two alley-oop dunks by Kendall Sanders.
Athens received 18 points and three steals and four assists from Anthony Sanders while Behan had 14 points and five rebounds.
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Class 3A Region III Bi-District Playoff
Bob and Vivian Gymnasium, Lon Morris College
Athens 71, Huntington 49
Huntington 11 16 14 8 – 49
Athens 16 20 15 20 – 71
HUNTINGTON – Zabo Houston, 21; Joseph Loggins, 2; Logan Nerren, 1; Blake Loggins, 6; Kyle Wilson, 2; Chad Bailey, 0; Hudson Cook, 0; Nick Moore, 0; Mo Houston, 17; Dylan Wallace, 0. FG: 20-47. FT: 9-21.
ATHENS – Patrick Clark, 11; Anthony Taylor, 1; Anthony Sanders, 18; Terrance Behan, 14; Kendall Sanders, 8; Zach Basher, 6; Dewayne Hannah, 2; Jesse Durham, 0; Corey Stuckey, 0; Javonte Johnson, 6; Greg Sanders, 5; Chris Jefferson, 0. FG: 30-77. FT: 7-14.
THREE-POINT GOALS – HUN (0-7): None. ATH (4-16): A. Sanders (2), Behan (2).
RECORDS – Huntington 18-14; Athens 24-12.
NEXT UP – Huntington season complete; Athens vs. Mexia in 3A Region III Area playoff game, TBA.
Class 3A Region III Bi-District Playoff
Bob and Vivian Gymnasium, Lon Morris College
Chapel Hill 51, Lufkin Hudson 48
Chapel Hill 15 10 13 13 – 51
Hudson 13 10 14 11 – 48
CHAPEL HILL – Julius Hill, 5; Kavondre Wallace, 1; D.J. Sammons, 15; Deeshulwn Mumphree, 2; Michael Harris, 10; Andrew Tucker, 8; Jeremy Threlkeld, 6; Gabriel Robinson, 4. FG: 16-44. FT:16-34.
HUDSON – Wes Bernios, 0; Blake Ponson, 0; Robbie Owen, 10; Walker Carroll, 0; Garrett Fenley, 8; Tony Holt, 0; Dylan Sandlin, 6; Cullen Hanks, 2; Mitchell England, 1; Daren Simmons, 6; Brent Berry, 8; Michael Vance, 2; Malek Zaher, 4. FG: 17-57. FT: 12-22.
THREE-POINT GOALS – CH: Sammons (2), Threlkeld. HUD: Owen (2).
RECORDS – Hudson 17-15; Chapel Hill 14-20.
NEXT UP – Hudson season complete; Chapel Hill vs. Waco La Vega in area round, TBA.