Tigers glide past Union Grove

By BRUCE E. WILLIAMS

Sports Correspondent

The Clarksville Blue Tigers opened the 2020 playoff run in impressive fashion as Coach Willie Coulter's team charged past the Union Grove Lions 83-51 in a Bi-district game played on Tuesday night at Pittsburg High School.

Clarksville moves on to face Number 1 ranked Martins Mill in Area round action later this week. The Tigers improve their season record to 21-9, while Union Grove ends their season with a 24-9 mark.

Clarksville never trailed in the game, but the Tigers did allow the Lions to hang around for a while, however, behind the play of senior guard Jalen Scott in the first quarter, Clarksville managed to find some breathing room before the Tigers moved to the second frame leading 21-11.

Union Grove, the third seed from District 16-2-A, would manage just four points in the second quarter as the Tigers defense was overpowering. The Lions would record only 15 total points in the initial half, as Clarksville was in control 45-15 at the intermission.

Clarksville senior guard Daquavian Griffin came off the bench to lead the charge to victory with 22 points. Twenty one of his total arrived thanks to Griffin's seven three point field goals. The Tigers had 10 three point hits in the game, with Scott contributing the remaining three. 

Clarksville proved to be relentless on the boards as the Blue Tigers held the Lions to limited shot opportunities. The Clarksville lead was 62-25 when the teams entered the final period.

The Tigers moved to a commanding 79-38 advantage when Griffin chipped in a free throw with 2:34 left. That was the greatest advantage in the game and it would spell the end for Clarksville starters on the playing floor, as Union Grove closed with a 26 point fourth quarter. 

Clarksville, the second seed from District 15-2-A, held double digit advantages at the end of all four quarters. Scott added 14 points for Clarksville, while R.J. Owens contributed 11 points, and Neo Scales, who had a strong performance, joined Olajuwon Woodberry by adding 10 points each.