Sophomore point guard Ricky Hord puts up a jumper for Cascade over MTC's Chris Brandon. (T-G Photo by Danny Parker) [Click to enlarge]

Cascade filmed their own version of "Lethal Weapon 3" in Wartrace on Friday night as Ryan Morton, Cory Phillips and Jacob Carkuff combined to score 55 points in a 69-52 District 9-A win over Middle Tennessee Christian.

Morton attacked the goal with a reckless abandon, netting nine field goals and 21 points. Phillips dropped one bomb after another from 3-point land, finishing with five 3s and 20 points. Carkuff was deadly inside and out en route to 14 points.

"(Morton) was very active offensively," Champion coach Charlie Pope said. "There were some matchups we saw on tape that we thought we could exploit. Ryan's playing with a lot of confidence, here lately especially. He's worked hard, put in the time and it's paying dividends."

Phillips has forced Pope to insert him into the starting lineup after providing a spark off the bench on several occasions this season.

"We know Cory can score and score in a hurry."

Carkuff typically leads the team in scoring but used the attention the Cougar defense gave him to kick the ball to open teammates who delivered.

"Teams are going to come focused on Jacob more nights than not," Pope said. "It's a good thing to have those complimentary guys, who are good in their own right, step up and do things."

Pope also noted how two youngsters who stepped up their game in running the show were sophomore point guard Ricky Hord and freshman combo guard Christian Edmondson.

Cascade's win is their third straight following seven consecutive losses.

Cascade senior Nolan Spencer makes a move toward the basket. (T-G Photo by Danny Parker) [Click to enlarge]

"We're really trying hard to look at it like we've closed the book on '07 and that we're starting a new season in '08," Pope said. "When you're as deep in the hole as we are, you don't wanna look past the next one in front of you. You'll stumble back into the hole. It's going to be a long climb back to respectability."

Middle Tennessee Christian (9-7, 1-5 9-A) held their first, last and only lead of the game with the first bucket of the contest. Cascade (4-9, 3-3) countered with the next 13 points to put the Cougars on their heels.

The Champs got five 3s from four different players in the second stanza, including one at the buzzer by Hord, and carried a 34-23 advantage into the half.

The dynamic trio piled up all 22 points for Cascade in the third frame with Morton netting half to maintain a 56-39 cushion moving to the final eight minutes.

Taylor Beckham had 14 points and Logan Siler 12 to lead MTC.

The Champs drive to McMinnville on Tuesday for their first of two 9-A road games next week. They battle Boyd Christian at 7:30.

"I really believe this team is going to have to be dealt with before the end of the season," Pope said.

Cascade moved their November game with Webb to Jan. 21 in Wartrace.