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By Nolan Epstein
Springfield, MO – One night after a memorable 47-point performance from Parkview senior JT Brown, Tuesday’s quarterfinal matchup of the Blue and Gold Tournament came down to defense over the final eight minutes of play as the Vikings (7-3) pulled away from the Clever Blue Jays (8-2) by a final of 63-51 in Blue Division play.
After clinging to a 45-43 advantage after three periods, fourth-seeded Parkview, which already was having its way in the low post, increased the attack defensively – controlling the glass seemingly at will and outscoring the No. 5 seed Blue Jays 18-8 in the fourth quarter.
“That was probably the biggest key for us right there,” Parkview head coach Landon Cornish said. “We did a really good job of rebounding and not giving up the offensive boards.”
The Vikings’ dominance inside translated to an awful lot of frustration for Clever. Despite holding a size advantage over their opponent on the floor, the Blue Jays were the team that found themselves with the less aggressive mindset when it mattered most.
“I kept talking to our guys about how that was going to be a huge factor in the game,” said Clever head coach Luke Brosius. “We didn’t attack the basket. We settled for jumpers way too often and, to me, that was a big part of the difference in the game.”
Parkview also benefited from shooting a total of 30 free-throws, while converting on 21 of them.
Seven of Parkview’s made shots from the stripe came off the hand of senior Brady Hill, who put together a 20-point effort to lead all scorers. Although his performance was a far cry from Brown’s showing in the first-round victory, Hill impressed his coach nonetheless.
“We know he can shoot the ball,” Cornish said of Hill. “Overall, he just got in a rhythm. He was in a flow, he stepped up and made big shots today. He played great.”
Hill played an integral part in the Vikings’ fourth-quarter defensive stand as well – helping limit the Blue Jays to a select amount of open looks.
“I didn’t feel like we were giving up easy baskets, so that was good for us,” added Cornish. “It was just about continuing that pressure, staying in front and making [Clever] work to get a shot.”
The Vikings had three other players score in double figures on Tuesday, including Lencorya Grady (13), Dontae Taylor (13) and Brown (12)
Senior Jakob Partee led Clever with 17 points in the loss.
With the win, Parkview advances to play top-seeded Republic in semifinal action tomorrow at 4 p.m. at JQH Arena. Clever faces Marshfield tomorrow at 12:30 p.m. in the fifth-place bracket at Hammons Student Center.
Box Score
Clever – 9 21 13 8 – 51
Parkview – 14 18 13 18 – 63
Clever – Jakob Partee 17, Devan Hampton 12, Caleb Peck 10, Matthew Christoffer 6, Derek Sopok 4, Mark Christoffer 2
Parkview – Brady Hill 20, Lencorya Grady 13, Dontae Taylor 13, JT Brown 12, Njenga Chatman 3, Gage Clark 2
