Culleoka takes control after Champion run

Senior guard Brent Ray sinks a 3-pointer for the Champs. (T-G Photo by Danny Parker) [Click to enlarge] [Order this photo]

Coming out of the gates, the Cascade Champions appeared to be streaking toward an upset over visiting Culleoka, who's won 56 games the prior two seasons combined.

A 3-pointer from Christian Edmondson put the Champs in front 7-5 with 1:28 left in the first quarter. That kick-started an 8-0 spirt that lasted into the second period.

Two free throws from Jacob Carkuff put Cascade up 14-10 with just over four minutes to go prior to halftime.

The more experienced and much larger Warriors had enough by that point. Culleoka answered with a 15-0 run that shut the hosts out for 5:26 and propelled them to a 54-37 win.

A pair of 3s from Brent Ray narrowed the Champion deficit to 27-20 but they wouldn't get any closer.

"Sometimes you just have to tip your hat to the other team for a job well done," Cascade coach Charlie Pope said.

"They did what they were supposed to do and played the game inside-out."

The deadly combination of brothers Antwane Beach (14 points) and Shawn Beach (12 points) proved to be too much in the post. Chad Stephens complimented the twin towers with 11 points as the starting five for the Warriors (6-1) netted all but two of their points.

"We knew coming in that we were going to have to play up tempo and try to spread the floor and try to attack them off the dribble. That requires a lot of energy and a lot of legs. I don't think we did that very well," Pope said.

"Defensively, we knew were going to have to get turnovers. Then, if we did get caught in a half-court game, we'd have to really work hard to get around to front. Those guys (Beach brothers) are mid-major college prospects. They're not slouches, and they're legit 6-5 and 6-6. It's just hard to get around those guys. I'll give them credit. They did a nice job of sealing us out."

Carkuff topped Cascade (2-4) in the scoring column with 14, including seven makes in as many attempts at the foul line.

The Warriors hit all four of their free throws.

Cascade looks to rebound on Friday night when they open up their District 9-A slate with a road trip to Boyd Christian. Pope has faith his bunch can contend for a district title.

"We've got our work cut out for us," he said. "I truly believe that if these kids will work like I think they're capable of, when it's all said and done, we'll have some say in it. At the end of the day, that's all you can ask for, just to get yourself to the postseason to see how far you can go."