Hazelwood Central Rallies, Stuns McCluer in Conference Opener

There was no magic formula. No words of wisdom. No major changes.

The basketball team simply returned to the basics.

That easy-going philosophy worked wonders on Wednesday as Central rallied from a 10-point third-quarter deficit to upset 57-49 in the Suburban North Conference opener for both schools.

McCluer pounded Central 62-36 six days earlier in the consolation round of the Meramec Holiday Tournament.

After that setback, the Central players took a long hard look in the mirror.

"We just worked hard in practice and we stayed together," senior guard Marcus Lampley said.

The approach was simple, yet effective enough to record the shocker.

"Our guys battled, competed and stuck to the game plan," Central coach Josh Martin said. "It's a great win for us."

The Hawks, who split its first eight games, served notice that the team planned on remaining a force in the conference. McCluer stole the early spotlight by winning nine of its first 10 games. , captured the tradition-rich Collinsville Holiday Classic last week, too.

Central, after losses to Belleville West, Jefferson City, DeSmet and McCluer, was quickly relegated to outsider status -- until Wednesday's signature victory.

"We really needed this win," Lampley, who led the way with 20 points and five steals, said.

Sophomore Ranell Crossland added 13 points for the Hawks (5-4). Marcus Hinton and Demarco Buchanan chipped in with eight points each. Juwan Carey and Demetrius Tippett also came up with big plays.

McCluer senior Demetrious Floyd, who entered the game averaging 20.4, led the Comets (9-2) with 15 points.

Central used a swarming, aggressive zone defense to confound the Comets down the stretch. McCluer, which led 40-30 with 3:51 left in the third quarter, managed just three points over the game's final 8:49.

"We just wanted to slow them down," Martin said of the second-half switch to a 3-2 zone. "I think our guys were really active."

Central forced four big turnovers in the first three minutes of the final period to erase the deficit.

McCluer coach Erwin Claggett said his team simply struggled down the stretch.

"We got flustered, we panicked," he said. "We didn't execute, we didn't get the stops. If you don't show up, you're not going to win in this conference."

Central scored eight answered points over the first 4:43 of the fourth quarter to take the lead for good 49-46. Lampley lit the fire with seven points.

The 6-foot-3-inch sparkplug scored on a pair of driving layups surrounded by two foul shots. Hinton then added a pair of free throws to give his team a 49-46 cushion with 3:17 left.

Shacquille Edwards answered for McCluer with a short jumper. But Lampley charged back with another short-range basket to pump the lead 51-48.

McCluer got to within 51-49 when Leon Watkins hit one of two foul shots with 54 seconds left.

But Crossland recorded back-to-back baskets and a steal to seal the triumph.

McCluer bolted out to a 40-30 lead behind Floyd, who scored 13 of the points. Central trimmed the deficit to 44-39 on a steal and layup by Tippett at the close of the third quarter.

The Hawks then exploded down the stretch turning in one of their finest quarters of the season.

"We didn't fold, we made the plays," Martin said. "We're getting better every day."

Central, which was playing without standouts Jordan Martin and B.J. McLaughlin, will take on Holt Friday night.

McCluer plays host to Edwardsville on Tuesday.