The Miami Trace Panthers led from the tip in Frontier Athletic Conference action as they defeated the McClain Tigers 63-50 at the Panther Pit, Friday night.
Four first-quarter three-point shots put the Panthers up, and they never looked back as Brett Lewis got the scoring started. Lewis knocked down one, Heather Cockerill buried two, and Cameron Carter hit one to put Miami Trace up 18-12 after one quarter of play. The Panthers outscored the Tigers 11-7 in the second quarter, and they took a 29-19 lead into the half.
McClain was paced in the first half by junior forward Devin Carter's 12 points, which helped to keep the score close. The Tigers were 9-21 shooting in the first half for 43% but were just 1-6 from beyond the arc for 17%. They committed 11 first-half turnovers, which resulted in 14 points for the Panthers. Miami Trace shot 12-23 in the first and buried 5-10 three point shots while committing 7 turnovers.
The second half started with Cameron Carter scoring six straight points as the Panthers outscored the Tigers 17-7 to take their biggest lead of the night into the final period, 46-26. McClain, however, would not back down as they turned on the pressure and outscored Miami Trace 24-19 in the final frame, but they could not get within 10 points of the Panthers.
McClain 1-11 (0-6) was led in scoring by Devin Carter, who was their go-to all night as he dropped in 21 points. He was the only Tiger in double figures. They shot 19-50 from the field for 38% and were 4-12 from beyond the arc for 33%. They shot 8-17 from the free-throw line and committed 18 turnovers.
McClain is on the road Saturday playing in the "Dave Young Classic" at North Adams High School taking on North Adams.
Miami Trace 8-7 (5-1) was led in scoring by Cameron Carter's 26 points, Heath Cockerill had a big 13 points, and Austin Brown had 11. They shot 21-44 for 48%, 6-11 from beyond the arc for 55% and were 15-21 from the charity stripe for 71%. They scored 18 points off McClain turnovers.
Miami Trace is back home Saturday evening, welcoming Southeastern to town.