Landrum Wears Down Williston-Elko

Landrum wears down Williston-Elko, advances to upper state finals

Cardinals make first appearance in state semifinals since 1984

NEWBERRY - The greatest sight for a Landrum Cardinal on the basketball court isn't a free passing lane, a dunk opportunity or a wide-open look from the corner.

It's an opponent bent over, grabbing the hem of his shorts and struggling for air.

When that happens, the Cardinals know they have a foe in their grasp. That scenario surfaced in the fourth quarter of Tuesday's game against the Williston-Elko Blue Devils at Newberry High School.

Williston-Elko's two-point lead going into the quarter didn't last, as Landrum outscored the Blue Devils 27-9 in the final period to win 70-54 and advance to the upper state championship for the first time since 1984.

"They couldn't keep up with us because we were running the floor," said point guard Shaun Hall, who scored 12 of his team-high 21 points in the final period.

Landrum's late-game burst secured a spot in Saturday's 1 p.m. game at the Bi-Lo Center against Great Falls, which beat Hunter-Kinard-Tyler 69-42 on Tuesday.

"We've had a habit of coming out strong in the fourth quarter, and it was nice to see that keep going, especially in a game like tonight," said senior Jacob Hatchette, who scored six points. "I know we have a big advantage in our numbers and that gives us a boost."

The Cardinals, who set a school record with their 24th win, trailed 45-43 going into the last period. As coach Lyn Smith had subbed throughout the night, the Cardinals still had plenty of energy.

They boxed out better in the fourth quarter, forced four turnovers and scored on easy buckets. It also helped that all-state post player Alex Wilson scored eight of 10 points in one stretch, as Landrum started the quarter on a 13-5 run.

"The fourth quarter has been our specialty," said Wilson, who scored 15 points. "I think it's just our will to win. At the end of a game, you have to step it up or you're going home. That's what it comes down to."

Williston-Elko came out hot from the start, as the Blue Devils hit 5 of 8 from 3-point range in the opening quarter. They went 1-for-14 the rest of the night.

All-state guard Antonio Walker scored 15 of his game-high 25 points in the opening quarter. Williston-Elko held a 21-11 lead in the first quarter, which Landrum cut with an 8-0 run in the second quarter.

"They were on fire to start the game. We held on. We could have easily folded there," Smith said. "We knew that if we could get them down, that they would throw up some wild shots. Fortunately, our defense won the game for us tonight."

Two quick shots to open the third quarter gave the Blue Devils (16-12) a 31-25 lead, but Landrum (24-1) rattled off 12 straight points to take its first lead.

Dustin Morris pushed that spurt, as he scored seven of his 15 points during the 1:50 stretch.

An 8-2 run by Williston-Elko gave the Blue Devils their two-point lead going into the fourth quarter. That's when the Blue Devils' rallies ended.

"It was an unbelievable defensive effort (in the fourth quarter)," Smith said.