Published: November 19, 2008 01:55 am      

Tigers start season with road victory

LORENA — Matt Ward is still working himself into basketball shape after his football season came to an end 11 days ago. It can be a slow process for a football-turned-basketball player.

That doesn’t mean that he can’t make an impact and play on instinct like he did Tuesday night, when his massive rejection of fourth-quarter shot gave the Tigers all the momentum they needed to close out a 51-37 victory over Lorena in the season opener for both teams.

“That’s the best block I’ve ever seen,” Tigers guard Taylor Jacobson said.

The Tigers were clinging to a 40-35 lead when Ward skied for a shot under the basket and sent it into the corner, where Jacobson tracked down the loose ball. The Tigers eventually got the ball in the hands of Josh Ramirez, who hit a floating baseline shot to complete what in essence was a four-point swing, giving the Tigers a 42-35 lead with 1:37 left in the game.

“That turned the game around big time,” Ward said of his block. “I was just trying not to foul him. I took my time and went up for it.”

The Tigers actually watched as Lorena whittled their 36-27 lead after three quarters to 38-35 with 4:46 left in the game.

From there, with Ward’s block and Ramirez’s shot leading the way, the Tigers closed out the game with a 13-2 run.

The Tigers’ defense was relentless as Lorena missed nine straight shots before getting a gimme basket with less than 10 seconds left in the game. The Tigers allowed just 16 points in the second half.

“We showed some poise,” Tigers coach Andy Dotson said. “That number 16 points can be deceptive because it was their first game on offense and defense is always ahead of offense early. Still we did a great job.”

The Tigers had a balanced attack on the offensive end. Ramirez scored 13 points and Laquintis Holbert and Taylor Jacobson had 12 points each. Antoine Fleming, playing in his first game for the Tigers at point guard, had eight points.

The Tigers also did what they needed to do at the free throw line down the stretch, making 6 of 9 free throws to close out the game.

“We all clicked together mentally at the same time,” Jacobson said.



Corsicana 51, Lorena 37

Corsicana: Josh Ramirez 13, Laquintis Holbert 12, Taylor Jacobson 12, Antoine Fleming 8, Matt Ward 4, Doshua Ballard 2.

Lorena: McAninch 12, Underwood 8, Dickson 6, Smith 4, Mathias 3, Palmer 2, Jeffrey 2.

Records: Corsicana (1-0); Lorena

(0-1)