GONZALES The District 5-5A basketball showdown between McKinley and East Ascension was everything that was expected of the top two teams.

After a close first half, the teams traded runs in the final two quarters before East Ascension held on for a 46-44 win at the Spartans gym.

East Ascension (25-6, 9-0) had already wrapped up the district title but still has its eye on earning a top-four playoff seeding. McKinley (19-12, 5-4) can wrap up sole possession of second place with a win over Catholic High in its final district contest.

East Ascension coach Barry Whittington complimented his teams poise after the Spartans fell behind 38-30 to start the fourth quarter.

These kids have seen a lot, Whittington said. We had some close games we didnt win last year and we had some this year. Its helped us to not panic.

We managed the clock well at the end and that helped us a lot.

Cameron Wire led the Spartans with 15 points with support from LeAaron Cain (13) and Jimel London (10). McKinley also had a trio in double figures with Patrick Collier (12), Tyrese Radford (11) and Marcus Coleman (10).

McKinleys Josh Gofdeon scored the first basket of the fourth quarter giving the Panthers a 38-30 lead. EA responded with a 13-0 run over the next four minutes.

Cain scored six points and London added four during the run. The Spartans, who benefited from five McKinley turnovers during the run, led 43-38 after Londons driving basket with two minutes left.

McKinley got as close as 43-42 after Colemans 3-pointer and a free throw by Radford. Justin Harris then fed Wire for an inside basket to put EA up 45-42 with 30 second to go.

Gordon scored again to cut the Panthers deficit to one. London hit a free throw before Frederick Carrs attempt at atying basket was off the mark as time ran out.

A big thing was the 50-50 balls, McKinley coach Harold Boudreaux said. Youve got to get them. Another big part of the game was key turnovers. It was just a tough game.

East Ascension took a 24-23 halftime lead, but McKinley made five of its first six shots to start the third quarter. A.J. Lee and Radford each scored four points as McKinley took a 33-27 lead.

The Panthers lead grew to 36-27 with 1:20 left in the quarter. EAs Marques Anderson hit a free throw and Cole Hatcher beat the buzzer with an inside bucket as McKinleys lead was trimmed to 36-30 after three quarters.

The third quarter has been one of our better quarters, and we werent knocking down shots, Whittington said. We didnt have good body language or chemistry. We switched over to a full-court press and got some turnovers.

Boudreaux gave East Ascension credit for playing well all season.

Lets give it to East Ascension, he said. They were prepared tonight. Theyve got some good seniors and this is their year.

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East Ascension holds off upset-minded McKilney 46-44 | High ... - The Advocate