A 20-2 run out to start the second half ignited Lansing Sexten to an easy 79-38 win over Holt Friday night.
“No question they are very talented,” said Holt varsity basketball coach Matt Essell. “They can put it on you quickly as good as any basketball team in the state.”
Essell’s Rams survived a 14-2 Big Reds start to the game. Holt answered it with a 15-5 spurt to end the first quarter, pulling to within four at 19-15.
“You don’t win anything in January,” explained Sexton boys basketball coach Carlton Valentine. “We knew Holt wasn’t going to lay down at home. Give them credit for their run in the first quarter. We respect it. and expected it.”
Valentine says his club is a work in progress. “We’re working to get better. We’re playing well for about 2 1/2 quarters we need it to be fur quarters,” he said.
Along with its transition game, Sexton defended well and found the range from long distance during a couple minute stretch of the third quarter, hitting four threes in five possessions. Bryn Forbes netted two of the four baskets with Anthony Clemmons and Denzel Valentine each adding a trey.
“We’re playing better, but must continue to get better every game and operate within our philosophy,’ Valentine explained.
A basketball philosophy that demands scoring with less dribbling, movement, defense and an unselfishness in their play — all of these qualities were on display in the Big Reds dismantling of Holt.
The unselfishness is reflected in the scoring as Sexton had four players in double figures. Forbes led the way with 17 points, followed by Jalen Hayes with 16, Valentine netted 13 and grabbed 13 rebounds, six assists and three steals while Clemmons tossed in 11 points.
The win improved Sexton to 7-0 and 4-0 in the Capital Area Activities Conference.
With the scheduling of a game against Pershing on Saturday (Jan.14) their is little time to enjoy the victory.
“Over the last couple of years I’ve scheduled back-back games a couples of times each year. To reach the finals March, teams must play games an Friday and Saturday. Hopefully this helps us prepare for that,” Valentine said.
Holt was led in scoring by Calin Jones with eight points while Jordan Herron and TJ King each added six.
“Certainly Sexton was really good tonight. Their transition killed us,” Essell said. “A team that talented can certainly make its opponent question itself.”
With the loss, Holt dropped to 3-5 overall and 1-3 in the league.
Filed under: Basketball - Boys, Lansing Sexton
