COLUMBUS, Ohio -- Seniors Jelani Simmons and Datrey Long erupted in the third quarter to help undefeated Beechcroft (6-0, 3-0) sneak away from tough and scrappy Linden-McKinley (4-2, 1-2) on Tuesday night.
Both teams started slowly in the first half with turnovers and physical play highlighting the opening two frames. The Cougars led 14-10 after the first quarter, and increased the lead to 31-24 at halftime.
Linden-McKinley center David Claude started the game quickly for the Panthers with three turnaround jumpers in the lane, keeping LM within reach early. That play in the paint was a key for the Panthers, as their interior success helped offset their struggles breaking the Cougars zone presses in the second quarter.
The Cougars, who have excelled in the third quarter all season, came out for the second half hot. They were led by the play of their point guard Long, who hit a three to start the quarter and the Cougars were able to get Simmons on track as well. The Youngstown State signee finished with 12 points in the third.
"I was just looking for things to open up coming out of the half," said Long. "When things came my way, I just started to take what I had."
Linden recovered from the Cougars quick start to have an 8-0 run midway through the quarter to cut the Cougars lead to 41-39 at the four minute mark. Beechcroft fought back with a 10-0 run over the next two and a half minutes to go up 51-39, before ending the third quarter with 55-45 lead.
"We tend to start slowly in games," said Long. "But between Coach (Simmons) getting us fired up at halftime and the changes we make, we have been able to play better late. We use our press to try and destroy our opponent and leave them very tired at the end of the game."
The fourth quarter turned into a scoring festival with the Cougars outscoring the Panthers 27-25.
Senior big man Therron Jennings showed his velvety shooting touch hitting two long threes in the fourth quarter for the Cougars as four players scored at least 5 points in the quarter.
The Panthers got many strong performances, with Claude leading the way with 17 points, while guard Damond Prater and forward Faizon Tucker were a consistent presence adding 16 and 15 points each. Star freshman Chance Groce scored 8 points, along with post D'Amonte Jones.
The Cougars were led by Simmons who had 24 points, Jennings with 19 and Long with 15. Jennings and Long combined for seven threes on the night as well.
"Compared to last year, I feel like our team is working harder in practice and wants it more than ever," added Long. "We loved our team last year and thought we could be good, but this year we know we can be really good."
Next up for the Cougars is Northland on Friday, in a battle for City League North supremacy. Linden-McKinley will host a streaking hot East team on Friday night as well.
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