Head Coach Billy Dixon took over for Clarence Finley in the off season, and the Pine Bluff High Zebras began the 2016-2017 season Tuesday night, playing host to the Jacksonville Titans. Jacksonville took the lead late, and won by a final of 68-63.
The Zebras started the game by forcing the Titans to turn it over twice On the offensive end the jump shots were falling for the Zebras. Jacksonville had a noticeable size advantage in the post, but Corveon Ganter skied for a couple of offensive boards giving the Zebras easy shot opportunities.
Caleb Parker had a big first quarter as he knocked down a three and drove to the basket explosively. Mark Smith came off the bench and gave the Titans valuable minutes that allowed them to stay in the game. At the end of the first, Pine Bluff led Jacksonville 19-14.
In the second quarter, the Zebras’ Delvonte Dilworth, and DeQuan Morris sparked them to a 17-0 run. Jacksonville’s Coach Victor Pointer was forced to call a timeout and during that timeout he made defensive adjustments. The Titan’s defense stiffened and behind the play of Tyree Appleby they were able to cut the deficit down. Appleby scored 14 first half points but the Titans trailed the Zebras 42-30.
In the second half, Jacksonville tightened their half court defense which allowed them to gradually inch closer. Appleby broke away on a one man fast break for a big dunk. Behind Appleby’s 10 third quarter points, the Titans were able to make it a one possession game. To end the third, Cadarius Baggett scored his first bucket of the game to maintain the Zebra’s lead.
Independent reporting for Pine Bluff & Jefferson County since 1879.
Jacksonville began the fourth with two back to back buckets to make it a one possession game but Caleb Parker responded with a three point basket to keep Pine Bluff ahead but Appelby drove the lane for a dunk that cut the lead to four.
With 1:46 left to play, Jacksonville took their first lead of the game and they held on behind free throws.
Appleby led all scorers with 33 points, and Pine Bluff’s Parker had 20 points.