Late three-pointer lifts Pirates

GOSNELL -- The Gosnell Pirates pulled out another close one on their home court Thursday night. Brandon Partee's three-pointer with 5.5 seconds left broke a 46-46 tie and ultimately lifted the Pirates to a 49-46 win over the Trumann Wildcats.

Trumann's Jay Jones got a decent look at a three-pointer from the top of the key, but the ball bounced off of the rim, sealing the Pirates' fourth conference victory in the last five games.

While the result was pleasing to GHS head coach Danny Williams, a shot from beyond the arc was not the first choice.

"We were actually trying to get the ball inside to Tramaine (Anderson) or Carlos (Blackman) or even Brandon (Partee). But, it didn't work out like that. They (Trumann) forced the ball outside, and we were fortunate to make the shot."

While Partee only had seven points on the night, the sophomore swingman came through at the right time and has come through with some big games in only his first year at the varsity level.

"Brandon's played big for us this year," said Williams. "He's had some big games. He wasn't feeling well tonight but he stayed with it and hit a big shot when we needed it."

Gosnell led 17-11 after one period and 29-20 at halftime. The Pirates scored a couple of quick baskets to open the third and take a double digit lead but the Wildcats would not go away quietly.

The Pirates led 33-23 before Trumann ran off seven in a row to cut the lead to three at 33-30 with 4:30 to play in the third.

"We're having a hard time getting it together in the third quarter," said Williams. "We just have to come out more focused."

Gosnell took a seven-point lead into the fourth at 39-32 but Trumann made one more run down the stretch.

"Defensively, we let them get behind us and they got a few good looks underneath the basket," said Williams. "We didn't put enough pressure on them out front. They made some good passes to get it to the open man. Give them credit. They made some very good plays."

After trying to catch the Pirates the entire game, Murphy Taber knocked down a three- pointer with 1:40 left in the fourth to tie the game at 46-46 before the final sequence.

"We don't always make it look pretty but if we get the win, that's all that matters," Williams said.

For the game, Anderson led all scorers with 17 points for the Pirates, Marcus McClain added 11 and Blackman chipped in 10 points.

Kevonte Andrews led the Wildcats (4-11, 1-6 3-4A) with 14 points.

The Pirates have reached the halfway point of the 3-4A conference season. Currently they are in third place at 5-2 (13-4 overall) behind Westside (5-1) and Brookland (6-0) who are scheduled to play one another Friday night.

"We just have to improve where we can and keep on winning right now," said Williams.

The Pirates travel to Westside Tuesday night to take on the Warriors and return home next Friday to take on Cave City.