MONTICELLO, Ark. – A dominant performance brought the Warren Lumberjack men’s basketball team their first win of the 2022/2023 season Wednesday evening as they defeated Trinity Christian High of Texarkana by the final of 61-40 in the opening round of the Commercial Bank SouthEast Arkansas Holiday Classic hosted by Drew Central in Monticello.
Top photo: Senior Jalin Lee rises high in the first quarter of Warren’s win over Trinity Christian Wednesday evening, December 28, 2022. Photo by Saline River Chronicle.
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From minute one the orange and black put together an intense attack on both the offensive and defensive ends of the floor. Four separate Lumberjacks got on the board in the first quarter. Malik Day, Antonio Jordan, Neon’dre Thomas, and Jalin Lee contributed to Warren jumping out to a 17-3 lead after the first period of play.
That intensity didn’t drop off in the second. Four more Lumberjacks contributed with points, including Jordyn Ingram, Dontavion Bluford, Mario Bluford, and Cody Weatherspoon. Trinity Christian did however get some offensive momentum going of their own, mainly from beyond the arc. Warren led the Warriors 38-15 at the half.
Warren’s offense sputtered a bit in the third, but defensively they never took their foot off the pedal. Mario Bluford made a terrific steal with 3:25 left in the period that helped quell a short-lived Trinity Christian run.
The Jacks held firm in the fourth and never looked out of command. They went on to win by the final of 61-40.
Antonio Jordan was named the Saline River Chronicle Player of the Game. The sophomore tallied 25 points on the night. He also posted six rebounds.
Point guard Malik Day had an outstanding ballgame as well, scoring eight points and spreading the wealth on the offensive end.
Neon’dre Thomas scored six. Jayden Ridgell and Jalin Lee each posted five. Jordyn Ingram not only had a big game on the boards, leading Warren with nine rebounds, but he also scored four points. He was joined by Dontavion Bluford who also scored four.
Mario Bluford and Cody Weatherspoon each scored a bucket a piece.
Warren was eight of 15 from the free-throw line.
Neon’dre Thomas posted six rebounds, while Jayden Ridgell had four.
The win improves Warren’s record to 1-2. They advance to play the winner of Drew Central vs. Rison Thursday night, December 29, 2022. Tip-off is set for 7:30 p.m. at Drew Central. Win or lose, the Jacks will have a Friday tournament game.
Be sure to check back with Saline River Chronicle late tomorrow night or early Friday morning for full coverage of Thursday night’s game.
