by Malcolm Butler
One quarter proved to be too much to overcome.
Leading 21-19 at the half, the No. 11 seeded Choudrant Aggies went ice cold in the third quarter.
And No. 6 seed Stanley took advantage, outscoring Choudrant 13-1 over the eight minute frame to take the momentum and control en route to a 51-36 victory in the second round of the Class B playoffs.
With the loss, Choudrant ends the season 21-12.
“Tonight didn’t end up how we hoped, but I want to give all the credit to our guys,” said head coach Ryan Smith. “They really battled and put us in a chance to win tonight’s game. I can’t thank our seniors enough for everything they have done for our program.”
The Aggies came out of the gates strong, holding a 14-12 lead after the first quarter on the road. Carson Carrico hit a pair of three-pointers while Clarence Menyweather netted five points to help Choudrant take the slim lead.
Neither team could find much offense in the second quarter as both netted only seven points. Menyweather scored five while Braden Pye added a basket as the Aggies maintained their two point advantage.
However, the third quarter proved to be problematic. A Jackson Ambrose free throw was the only point of the eight-minute period for Choudrant as Stanley built a 32-22 lead with one quarter left.
Turner Rhodes attempted to shoot the Aggies back into the game in the final stanza, hitting three three-pointers, but it wasn’t enough.
Menyweather led Choudrant with 11 points.
Jermontrice Sudds led Stanley (22-6) with 23 points, including 17 in the second half.
