Wildcats scratch out regional title victory
JONAH JENKINS (21) scored 20 points and had four assists in Cashion’s 66-59 victory against Amber-Pocasset in a 2A regional championship. [Photo by Brad Stone/www.bestone.shootproof.com]
Cashion’s depth was on display Tuesday and it has the Wildcats one win shy of the state tournament.
Three Cashion players scored at least 16 points as 2A’s third-ranked team erased an early deficit at home then held off a late rally to beat Amber-Pocasset 66-59 in a regional championship.
That victory sent Cashion into the area title game Friday night (after press time) against No. 9 Hooker at Hennessey’s Eagle Event Center.
The winner of that game moves on to state while the loser plays Saturday in the area consolation championship and a reservation on the 2A bracket.
Am-Po got out to a 19-11 lead on Cashion, but a trio of Wildcats took turns having standout quarters to complete the comeback.
The second frame saw Austin Frazier score nine points to help give the team a one-point halftime lead.
The Wildcats stretched it to 14 points with a 21-8 run in the third.
Landon LaGasse scored 10 points during that run.
Am-Po was able to post 24 points in the fourth, but free throws helped keep Cashion on top.
The Wildcats were 14 of 19 from the line in the fourth.
Jonah Jenkins made all 10 of his attempts.
He joined Frazier in leading the team with 20 points each.
Jenkins added four assists.
LaGasse netted 16 total points and pulled down 10 rebounds.
Cashion out-rebounded Am-Po 31-20 and had 13 offensive boards.
Am-Po shot a better percentage (50 to 40) and outscored Cashion 21-12 beyond the 3-point line.
However, the Wildcats were 18 of 26 from the charity stripe while Am-Po attempted just eight of them.
Cashion entered area with a 21-5 record and a nine-game win streak. The Wildcats are looking for their third consecutive state berth.