Senior Night for the Allen County-Scottsville Patriots wasn’t the outcome Patriot basketball was looking for. Warren Central---the top-ranked team in Region 4 by media voters----lived up to the billing. The Dragons used their quickness and athleticism to dominate the Patriots, recording a n 85-34 win.
Led by Wright State signee Skyler Potter, the Dragons raced to a 12-2 lead in the game’s first two minutes. The lead grew to 20, 24-4, following a pair of Potter three-pointers near the three-minute mark. By quarter’s end, Central led 33-6. The Dragons used their pressure and quickness to force seven AC-S turnovers and hold AC-S to baskets from Marcus Carter and Sam Clarke.
The second frame was much the same. Jamale Barber’s three pointer---one of seven in the first half alone---lifted the visitors to a 32-point lead at the 6:32 mark. Later in the frame, Potter added another three giving the Dragons a 37-point lead, 51-14, at the 1:14 mark of the first half. AC-S closed the half with a three-pointer from senior Sean Carter and an inside hoop by Charlie Calvert---a bit of a bright spot in an otherwise bleak first 16 minute.
The final half would see continued dominance from the Dragons. Potter’s three-pointer to start the third lifted the Dragons to a 37-point lead, 56-19, and start the running clock. Making six of nine field goals in the period, Central outscored AC-S 19-1 in the period---the Patriots’ lone point being a free throw by Jax Cooper at the 1:18 mark.
The Patriots closed the game with a 14-13 fourth period. A pair of Rippy three’s, a three from Cooper, and a late three from the hands of Camden Carver highlighted the period.
Warren Central (25-3) finished the night shooting 53.6% from the floor (30-56) including an 11 for 27 night from beyond the arch. At the line, the Dragons were 14 of 17. Central out rebounded AC-S 34-16. Potter finished with a game high 31 points.
AC-S (9-18) was 12 of 33 from the floor for a 36.4% mark and four of six at the line (66.7%). The Patriots finished six of 20 from three-point range. AC-S was forced into 16 turnovers that resulted in 33 Central points. Brett Rippy and Charlie Calvert shared the points lead as both underclassmen finished with eight. Sean Carter led the way in rebounding with three.
The night marked the final home game for seniors Marcus Carter, Sean Carter, and Sam Clarke. Marcus Carter has appeared in 71 games, made 54 starts, scored 600 points, and grabbed 420 rebounds in his career. Twin brother Sean Carter has appeared in nine games, made two starts, and scored a career-high three points Tuesday. Sam Clarke has now appeared in 60 games as a Patriot, started 22 times, recorded 323 points and registered 318 rebounds.