State Playoffs, 2nd Round
February 27, 2013
By Denis Vass of Graham High School The Red Devils came into tonight's 2nd round state 2-A playoff game lookng to advance further in the playoffs. Clinton, however, had other ideas about Graham's goals.
The Darkhorses (21-7) galloped to a 88-79 win in the Devil's Den. Graham could have scored a hundred points tonight. Problem was, they were uncharacteristically missing their free throws, the one thing that enabled them to capture the Mid-State Conference championship last week.
Graham mssed 18 of their 40 free throws, and as a result, their high hopes for the season came crashing down tonight.
Troy Bowden finished his career as a Red Devil leading Graham with 20 points. Kendall Patterson, also finishing his stellar career, ended with 16 points. One other Senior, Michael Ratliff, ended with 13.
The loss ended Graham's 10 game winning streak. Graham finished the season with a 23-6 record.
Shian Bradshaw soared and hoofed all over the court for the Darkhorses, pouring in 26 points. JC Evens followed with 18, and Demantio Bryant 12.
The Lady Devils enjoyed another long road trip, this one to Whiteville, and smashed the Pam Pack 60-43. With the win, the Lady Devils improve to 18-10, and earn yet another long road trip, this one to Jacksonville on Friday to take on #2 seed Jacksonville Northside.
Best of luck to the Lady Devils, and also thanks to the Senior Devils, Kendall Patterson, Antonio Turner, Troy Bowden, Michael Ratliff, Jamal Richmond, Deione Whitfield, and Jordan Mitchell for their contributions to th Red Devil basketball program.
