Tigers win 2nd straight PAC title

RANDLEMAN — Another challenge. Another challenge met.

This high school basketball season has been chock-full of challenges for the Randleman High School boys basketball team. That’s what happens when you’re coming off a conference regular season and conference tournament championship.

After capturing another regular season league title while losing just one game the entire season, the Tigers met Eastern Randolph for this year’s conference tournament championship and, after jumping out to a double-digit lead in the first quarter, turned back every challenge by the Wildcats for a 68-56 victory Friday night at RHS.

The win was the 12th straight for the Tigers, who improved to 23-1 heading into state tournament action this week. The loss snapped a seven-game winning streak for the Wildcats, who took a 16-8 record into state 1-A tournament action.

The Tigers led by as many as 16 points in the first half at 31-15, but the Wildcats refused to fold, cutting the deficit to just three in the second half. But much like they have all game and all season, the Tigers answered every challenge with a run of their own.

“They were pretty mature for a high school team with what we did last year and they are certainly adding pieces to their game,” veteran coach Daniel Mitchell said. “The guys are playing the right way and hitting their stride at a good time. They are growing together.”

Behind another balanced attack, the Tigers gained breathing room after the Wildcats had closed to within 40-37 with two minutes left in the third quarter and 53-49 with just under five minutes to play in the game.

Connor Cassidy, who had all of his points after halftime, nailed a 3-pointer each time the Wildcats had drawn close.

RHS broke a 4-4 tie in the first quarter with a five-point run and never relinquished the lead. The Tigers led 20-10 after eight minutes, 33-23 at halftime and 47-39 heading into the final quarter.

Tyshaun Goldston helped the Tigers get off to their fast start with 13 points in the first quarter and 16 by halftime. Chase Farlow scored 10 points in the second quarter and 13 in the first half.

“Chase has been the one who has really stepped it up from last year,” Mitchell said. “The last few games, he’s been scoring a lot better. He gives us that extra punch. He is providing another threat.”

Pacy Wagner also had some big plays on both ends of the floor as he finished with 10 points. Goldston finished with 24 points, Farlow 16 and Cassidy 11.

Timmy Brower, whose basket with five minutes to play brought the Wildcats to within 53-49, finished with 18 points. Tyler Gee had 15 and Julian Brooks added 12.

“Other than Gee for a minute or so in the third quarter, I thought we did a good job on their secondary shooters,” Mitchell said. “Brower is going to get his points and Julian is going to score. They are that good. If you let other guys get hot, you are in for a long night. They can put up points really fast.”

The Wildcats entered the game having scored at least 80 points in five straight contests.