Randolph-Clay routs short-handed Miller County in region tournament

ALBANY – The Randolph-Clay Red Devils (17-9) advanced to the semi-finals of the Region 1-A Division II tournament Tuesday afternoon with a rout of a short-handed Miller County squad by an 80-41 final.  With the win the Red Devils were scheduled to face No. 3 seed Seminole County (18-6) Wednesday evening at ASU West.

Miller County (9-18) had only six players for the game, reportedly because some of the team members didn’t show up for school on Tuesday and GHSA rules stipulate you have to be in school to participate in games.

Randolph-Clay never trailed in the game because Jaleen Gibson drained a long three-pointer followed  by a three from Tyrion Smith to give the Red Devils a quick 6-0 lead. Even though the Pirates were outmanned, the fought back valiantly. Tucker Clay,  Andeen Keown, and Hanley Shephard all hit three-point shots in the first quarter to keep the Pirates close.

However, the Red Devils running awesome and three-quarter court press started to take its toll and Randolph- Clay began to pull away – especially when Je’sus Daniels swished three consecutive three-point shots. The Red Devils led 41-25 at the half. Miller County started out strong again after the break but by the end of the third quarter it was over at Randolph-Clay pulled into a 61-35 lead. Fresh fourth quarter subs from Randolph-Clay just contined to add to the lead.

Je’Sus Daniels finished with 24 to lead the Red Devils, Ginson scored 20, Smith added 11 and Josiah Daniels chipped in nine.

Jayden McCray led Miller County with 15 points and teammate JP Powell put in 11.

By Joe Whitfield
Sports EditorJoeWhitfield[email protected]