Jones unable to match wits with explosive Lions high octane
Katy – Clyde Santee remembers the feeling of losing in last year’s regional quarterfinals to La Marque who finished runner up to Dallas Kimble at the state tournament. It was the worst feeling, said Santee.
A berth at the state tournament erased memories of last season’s early exit, as Yates got a team effort to claim its third Class 4A Region III Title in four years, by ousting Jones 113-83 Saturday evening at the Merrell Center.
The win returns the Lions to Austin, since capturing the 2009 and 2010 Titles.
Damion Dotson’s 26 points led six players in double figures for Yates. Forward JC Washington, 17, Darrion Martin and Clyde Santee both scored 12, Jarvis Hickey tallied 11 and Hakim Davis added 12.
Yates (32-5) met Jones in the 2010 Region II Semifinals on its way to the national title. The recent matchup wasn’t much different from the last. The Lions roared out to a rapid pace, consuming the Falcons early. The tempo played into Yates favor, differently than its region semifinal matchup with a determined Kingwood Park team who was able to slow the Lions.
For the first couple of minutes, Jones attacked the press with long passes that watched brothers Broderick and Roderick Harris score quick layups. The Harris twins combined for 55 of the Jones 83 points and guard Corey Lark chipped in 18.
Broderick Harris gave the Falcon’s a 2-0 lead, before Yates Dotson nailed two quick treys, to lead 6-2. Broderick scored the next two baskets, including two free throws as Jones tied the score at 6.
“I felt like I had the hot hand but I wasn’t sure because I miss some and made some. But Clyde trusted in me. He kept passing the ball to me and I was looking for him. Going to state feels good. We’ve been talking about this since the super 16 extravaganza when it first started,” Yates shooting guard Damion Dotson said.
After Melvin Swift’s dunk and Santee’s three consecutive baskets, Yates never trailed, leading, 14-8 with 5:02 left in the first quarter. The furious pace continued with Yates building a 32-15 lead at the closing of the quarter. Both Dotson and Broderick finished in double figures for its perspective teams with 12 points each.
“It feels good, being able to play together as a team, pushing the ball up the court. Everybody’s happy; they all got in the game”, said Yates point guard Clyde Santee. I knew our guys would be coming to play.”
“I know Clyde has been there three out of the four years. He’s going to be able to show leadership when we go there (Austin), he’s been here throughout the four years,” said Yates coach Gregg Wise. The whole program understands, they’ve been there. We’re comfortable in what we’re doing, we know what to do. We know how to focus; we understand the size of the gym (The Drum).”
The Lions opened a 17-point lead to start the second quarter. However, Jones responded with 6-2 run, all points coming from the Harris brothers to trim the deficit to 12, 36-24 with 5:10 to go in the quarter. But, Yates stormed back with its press which created steals that led to layups as it went up by 22 points and rounded out the quarter, leading 62-37 at the half.
“We’re a very senior squad, so it’s very tough when you finally hank up the nets for the last time. It’s a tough night. Before the game, I felt pretty good about our chances. I told them to stay close so we could have a chance in the second half. We knew it would be a challenge, trying to stay close with a team like Yates, with quality, depth and speed. But they were too much for us”, said Jones coach Lawrence Roberts.
The second half turned into a Yates route, leading 93-58 at the end of the third quarter.
Coach Wise emptied his bench in the fourth quarter with 4:33 left.
For Jones it was another disappointing end to its season, finishing its season (25-7).
Joining Yates at the 4A state tournament in Austin on Thursday are Alamo Heights, defending champion Dallas Kimble and Denton Ryan.