Posted: Mar 09, 2024

Apache men get win on Sophomore night

Box Score:

Phil Hicks-Tyler Morning Telegraph

Before's Friday's game with Louisiana Christian Academy Knights, the Apaches honored their five sophomores.

After the ceremony, Tyler Junior College played one of its best halves of the season en route to an 80-67 victory over the Lafayette, Louisiana school at Wagstaff Gymnasium.

TJC Coach Mike Marquis scheduled the game so his club could prepare for the start of the Region XIV Basketball Tournament, which begins on Tuesday at Wagstaff Gymnasium.

With a bye on Wednesday and no games scheduled for Saturday, Marquis felt it best to play the contest.

The Apaches broke out to 47-21 halftime lead. In the first half, the Tribe was shooting lights out and only turned the ball over three times. They did not keep the pace in the second half as the Knights eventually pulled within 11 points. However, TJC held on for the win.

Before the game, Marquis presented his sophomores a framed action photo.

TJC sophomores honored were Jonah Nesmith (6-6 guard, Myrtle Beach, South Carolina), Jermontae Hill (6-7 guard, Atlanta, Georgia), Dariyus Woodson (6-7 forward, Baytown), JJ Louden (6-4 point guard, Brownsburg, Indiana) and Hudson Anderson (6-8 forward, Colorado Springs, Colorado).

Woodson led the Apaches (16-14) with 30 points, including six 3-pointers.

Also scoring for TJC were Brandon Walker (16), Hill (14), Louden (9), Nesmith (5), Sammon Johnson (3), Anderson (2) and BJ Hooper Jr. (1).

Others hitting treys for Tyler were Hill (2), Louden (2) and Johnson (1). TJC was 11 of 19 from 3-point.

Jevon Berry led the Knights with 22 points. He was followed by JayVyn Duncan (11), Mike Pryor (11), Malik Smith (9), Jevion Sam (9), Byron Allen (4) and Zander Stevens (2).

Louisiana Christian was 6 of 18 from 3-point (Berry, 2; Smith, 1; Duncan, 1; Sam, 1; Pryor, 1).

TJC was 13 of 21 from the free throw line. The Knights were 15 of 28 from the free throw line.

The Apaches return to play on Tuesday in the opening game of the Region XIV Tournament. They will be playing on their home court, but will be donning dark jerseys as the visiting team.

TJC is the No. 9 seed, while Paris is the No. 8 seed. Tipoff is scheduled for 1 p.m. The winner will face No. 1 seed Lee at 1 p.m. Thursday in the quarterfinals.