Homecoming spoiled at Community Middle

Cascade's Bryce Clinton (14) denies a shot by Vikings forward Austin Carpenter in the fourth quarter. (T-G Photo by Jimmy Jones) [Click to enlarge] [Order this photo]

Cascade Middle stormed into the Community Middle gym on Thursday night and rained all over the hosts' homecoming parade with a thrilling 49-44 victory that gave both sides of the near-capacity crowd a cardio workout that left them wanting more.

The Vikings (1-3) jumped out to an 11-8 lead after one period behind two 3-pointers by Quinn Frost and five points by Blake Fanning, who also connected from behind the arc.

The Champions (2-0), down by as many as six points in the second frame, stormed back to score the last seven points of the half to tie the game at 21 behind Blake Floyd's eight points and Alex Hatchett's five.

The two squads traded baskets throughout the third quarter but Jesse Barnes' six points led the way to allow the Orange and Black a slim 37-35 advantage going into the fourth quarter.

"Our big men started to take over the game down low in the third quarter," Cascade coach Mike Edmondson said. "We felt like our strength was in the paint and we knew that they could shoot it from outside so we really tried to take the game to them down low.

"We were able to get some shots to go in and we played better defense on the perimeter in the second half."

The Vikings had five 3-point shots find the bottom of the net in the first half and managed just one in the second half, a bomb from Taylor Paschal, to score their lowest point total of the game in the fourth quarter, yet were still within one point with less than two minutes to play.

Hatchett buried a trey and Jesse Barnes lit up the scoreboard for six points with Vikings surrounding his every move to secure the victory.

"Either team could have won this game," Edmondson said. "Both teams fought their hearts out, but we were able to make a play or two more than they did tonight. It was really one of those games that it was a shame that either team had to lose."

Cascade 34, Community 18 (G): The Lady Champions (2-0) opened a 7-3 lead after one quarter and then put the pedal to the metal to lead 18-7 at intermission behind a stout defensive effort that created turnovers from the Viqueen ballhandlers that resulted in easy baskets in transition.

"I thought we played outstanding defense tonight," Cascade coach Chad Spencer said. "We played a real tough preseason schedule so we felt that we were ready to play against a team that always plays us tough.

Viqueen Jamie Demonbreum drives baseline against Cascade defenders Courtnie Carter (13) and Rashonda Johnson. (T-G Photo by Jimmy Jones) [Click to enlarge] [Order this photo]

"We have already seen some pretty good crowds so the big turnout here didn't seem to bother us. I was pretty proud of our kids approach this game from start to finish."

Courtney Williams hit a 3-pointer for the Viqueens early in the third quarter to give her squad a brief bust of energy but the Lady Champs were not to be denied as four different players got on the board to open a 27-12 cushion going to the fourth.

"We were unable to handle their press with any consistency," Viqueen coach Kevin Hinson said. "We turned the ball over way too much and when we did get an open shot we couldn't get it to fall. That combination makes it real hard to be able to compete with good teams.

"We will get back in the gym and work hard over the next week and come out and play better next week."

Jamie Demonbreum led the Viqueens with nine points, including a 3-pointer.

The Lady Champs were led by Katie Vincent with 11 points. Rashanda Johnson and Kelsey Feck contributed eight apiece.

Cascade travels to Middle Tennessee Christian on Tuesday at 6:30.

Community has the week off due to a cancellation. They host Forrest on Nov. 16.