In a fast-paced game of runs, the Jordan Panthers built a ten-point lead at halftime and held off several threats from the Garces Rams to take the 80-72 victory Friday night at Lakewood High in the Tournament of Champions. The win brings Jordan to a 6-1 record, behind 24 points and five rebounds from point guard Bernard Taylor.
“He’s my little pitbull,” said Jordan head coach Ron Massey.
The Panthers led at the midway point, 44-34, behind good penetration and active defense. But the Rams mounted a comeback, and cut the lead to two on several occasions late in the fourth quarter. Garces guard Randall Jackson converted a tip-in with one minute remaining, to cut the Jordan lead to three at 75-72. But it was the closest that Garces would get as Jordan made key steals and converted late free throws. Coach Massey could have been happier, but overall was pleased with the effort.
“We shoot the ball well from the outside, and we’ve got a well-rounded team,” he said. “So I’m looking forward to this season.”
Massey also pointed out that the Panthers’ guards stepped up in the wake of a quiet night from Stephen Heard, a 6’6″ center whom Jordan will rely heavily on this season. Heard scored four points and collected one rebound, hampered by early fouls.
But the Panthers recovered on the strength of the Taylors. Bernard nailed nine of ten free throws to reach his 24 points, and Raynard shot 6-13 from the field and 2-2 from three-point range for his 20 points. Guard Will Ervin made plays all night long, scoring 17 and dishing out four assists.
The Panthers often employ a small but athletic lineup that consists of one point guard (B. Taylor or Ervin), three swingmen and one post player. Jordan’s speed and quick hands are enough to wreak havoc on opponents, though they’ll have to become more disciplined on defense to stop well-oiled offenses.
Raynard Taylor added 20 points and four rebounds, including this tip-in.
The Jordan pressing attack needs polishing. But with big, active athletes, the Panthers could pose a threat to even the best ball handler.
Panther Steven Heard converted this fadeaway, but recorded just four points and one rebound.
Point guard Bernard Taylor forces the turnover and hustles for control.
Raynard was consistently quicker than his defenders on the wing.
Raynard scored 16 points in the first half, and ended with 20.
Bernard Taylor scopes the field.
Swingman Terrance Sutton snagged eight rebounds and scored two of his six points with this jam.
Will Ervin drew the unenviable task of guarding Stephon Carter, but kept the highly-regarded scorer in check despite his 33 points.
“Long” is a word that is used too often to explain basketball players. So let me know if you can think of a better word for this super-athlete (he wore #1 last night).
Taylor scored many of his 24 points on floating drives like this one.