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JCC: Buford comes from behind, N. Gwinnett needs OT

23, Nov 2014

JCC: Buford comes from behind, N. Gwinnett needs OT

SUWANEE, GA -- The Jared Cook Tip-Off Classic for the Cure is off and running at North Gwinnett High School and two teams had to fight down to the wire to bring home a victory. We recap two of the games from Saturday's action.

HANSBROUGH GOES FOR 32, PACES BUFORD

Sometimes to start seasons it gets tough to know what to expect from teams that will rely on contributions from new players. That is especially the case for Buford, who recently lost their potential key returnee D’Marcus Simonds to transfer.

In the Wolves’ first game of the Jared Cook Classic, they took on Walton and quickly discovered who would fill the scoring void. That guy was senior guard Tre Hansbrough (pictured above).

Despite a fast start from Hansbrough, who scored all of the Wolves’ first quarter points, Walton still led by double figures at half from a strong half by Air Force commit Nick Wells.

Buford came out in the second half a completely different team. Hansbrough continued his scoring ways, and also added two huge assists down the stretch to big man Kyrin Galloway. Hansbrough also sealed the deal with three made free throws in the last minute to seal Buford’s 56-52 win over Walton.

“Yes, I know I have to take on more of a scoring role, but we just have to play more of a team game and fight harder,” said Hansbrough. He finished the game with 32 points and answered a lot of questions about this Buford team.

HOST TEAM NEEDS O.T. TO TAKE HOME WIN

North Gwinnett is another team that has question marks coming into the season. Gone is the backcourt of Ahmad Caver and Tobias Howard as well as big man Malik Carter.

In the Bulldogs’ opening game of the Jared Cook Classic, they took on the Siegel High School Stars from the Nashville area, led by sophomore point guard Omar Lyons.

Siegel came out of the gate, looking to hit shots from the perimeter, which they had success doing. By the third quarter, North Gwinnett found themselves down by 11 and in need of an answer on offense.

That’s when senior forward Kam Calhoun decided that he was going to put his Bulldog teammates on his back and carry them down the stretch. He gave North’s offense a huge boost, while also leaving an imprint on defense with a number of emphatic blocks.

The two teams went back and forth in the waning minutes of the game, and would eventually need an overtime session as a potential game winner for North came up woefully short.

The extra period was showcased by a barrage of Calhoun free throws and a game sealing charge drawn by Daniel Imatorbhebhe as the Bulldogs came out on top 62-58. Calhoun finished with 23 points, 11 rebounds, and 8 blocks.

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