MacArthur raced out in the first quarter, scoring easy buckets in transition. By the time Stevens caught their breath they trailed 20-8 as 2012 Jordan Pratt had 9 points. The 2nd quarter belonged to 2012 G Uche Ofoegbu as he reeled off 9 straight points (scoring 12 total) and assisting on the other two Falcons buckets as the half ended with MacArthur leading 29-26.
With the score 34-31 Ofoegbu picked up his 4th fould midway through the 3rd and had to sit. Stevens offensive attack stalled out only scoring one basket in a 6 minute span. It was 40-33 Max at the end of the 3rd. It looked like it would be a cakewalk the rest of the way but with 3 minutes left, Ofoegbu went on another run by himself scoring 7 points in a little more than a minute to make the score 61-47. It was not to be though as MacArthur shot 18 free throws in the 4th quarter, making 17 of them. 2012 G Matt Gramling hit 12 in a row, playing a solid game and being very efficient from the field. Both he and Pratt finished with 23 points for the Brahmas. Ofoegbu had 29 to lead Stevens & Senior Eliot Mills finished his prep career with 13 points & 8 rebounds.
Two of San Antonio's finest 2012 players: Matt Gramling (left) & Uche Ofoegbu (right)
Plano John Paul 42 San Antonio Central Catholic 41
I raced from the Alamo Convocation Center to the South San Durbon Center in time to catch the 2nd half of the TAPPS 5A Regional Final. It was a nip and tuck battle all the way. The 3rd quarter ended with Plano John Paul leading 35-33. Central Catholic's star Senior Cole Martinez was being shadowed at every turn and denied open looks at the basket. He had 12 points after 3 quarters.
The 4th quarter stayed ultra tight until Martinez went off with a pair of threes and a layup. With little over a minute left Central Catholic had surged ahead 41-37 holding Plano to only one 4th quarter bucket. Then the wheels fell off. The Buttons missed the front end of three straight one and one opportunities. John Paul was behind by one with about 20 seconds left. The las few seconds were hectic and finally John Paul was hammered as they went for the tying layup. They hit both free throws and Central Catholic's final shot rimmed in and out. Martinez ended his prep career with 20 points.
