Paris News article on the Sulphur Springs game

Wildcats get past SSHS

By Van Hilburn The Paris News

Published February 7, 2007

SULPHUR SPRINGS — Call this one a defensive battle with just enough offense to pull out the win, as the Paris Wildcats downed Sulphur Springs, 44-31, Tuesday night in District 11-4A basketball action.

Paris limited SSHS to single-digit scoring in three of the four quarters while outscoring them 17-6 in the fourth to pull out the victory. With their 20th win of the season, coupled with a 46-42 victory by North Lamar against Mount Pleasant, the Wildcats (20-6, 6-2) took over sole possession of first place in District 11-4A with two games remaining.

Courtney Jackson led Paris with 15 points, while Keon Furtch and Marshall Carrell added nine and eight, respectively.

Sulphur Springs held a 9-5 lead after one quarter, but Paris outscored its host 11-4 in the second quarter to carry a 16-13 advantage into halftime. Entering the fourth quarter, Paris led 27-25.

This league race appears headed down to the final game, as Sulphur Springs (19-8, 4-4) is tied for fourth with North Lamar (18-12, 4-4), while Mount Pleasant (16-8, 5-3) and Texas High (15-10, 5-3) are tied for second. Texas High defeated Lindale, 58-56, Tuesday night.

"We helped ourselves out tonight with this win, but we still have to remain focused and ready because of the two teams right behind us. We really don't have a cushion," said Paris coach Brock Blassingame.

Paris hosts Mount Pleasant on Friday and closes out the regular season on the road at Texas High.

The Wildcats' junior varsity suffered a 72-62 loss.



Paris 5 11 11 17 — 44

SSHS 9 4 12 6 — 31



Paris (20-6, 6-2) — Courtney Jackson 15, Keon Furtch 9, Marshall Carrell 8, Jordan Fields 4, Decedric Sims 4, Payton Carrell 2. FT 11-23. Threes 1 (Furtch). Fouls 9.

Sulphur Springs (19-7, 4-4) — Drew Biggerstaff 8, Colton Nash 6, Tyrik Rollison 6, Brad Washington 4, Aaron Williams 3, Ladarius Harrison 2. Fouls 19. Threes 3 (Biggerstaff 2, Williams). FT 4-4.