Shelbyville Times-Gazette: Community Sports: Harris boys win, reach conference semis (02/05/10)

Dallas Castleman goes up strong for Harris in CTC Tournament action.
(T-G Photo by Gary Johnson)

MANCHESTER -- Harris Middle's quest for a Central Tennessee Conference Tournament title remains intact as the Golden Eagles advanced to the semifinals with a 43-26 win over Franklin County North on Thursday night.

Harris point guard Sterling Smith drives the lane and scores as Franklin County North's Colin Brewer defends.
(T-G Photo by Gary Johnson)

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The Eagles (15-4) led by eight points at halftime, then outscored North 14-2 in the third stanza to pull away.

Harris posted an 11-5 advantage at the end of the first quarter but sloppy play by the Eagles allowed North back in the game in the second stanza.

"We just didn't play very well in the second quarter," Harris coach Jim Dougherty said. "We sit a few guys out then we came back and played much better in the third quarter. We're excited about winning and advancing but still disappointed how we played at times this game."

Harris built a 38-18 lead after three periods and cleared the bench midway through the fourth quarter.

Brayden Ward and Sterling Smith each scored 13 points to lead the Eagles. Smith connected on three 3-pointers, including two in the third stanza.

"Brayden and Sterling really carried us in this game and did some good things on both ends of the court," Dougherty said.

Harris returns to action against Coffee County tonight at 8. The winner advances to the championship back at Coffee County Middle on Saturday night at 7:30.