Sandies clinch district crown

The Grapeland Sandies pose with their trophy after beating Centerville on Saturday to lock up the District 20-2A basketball championship.

By Larry Lamb
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GRAPELAND – The Grapeland Sandies checked off  two more items on their to-do list as they prepare for the state basketball playoffs.

The Sandies honored six senior team members before their final home game Saturday and then defeated Centerville, 52-41, to lock up the District 20-2A championship.

Playing their final game in the GHS gym were Cadarian Wiley, Kionte Willis, Landon Jackson, Lakerina Smith, Trey Davision and Jason DeCluette

Boasting a 10-0 record with two games left, the last item on Grapeland's list is to complete a district sweep.

The No. 17-ranked Sandies will play their two remaining games on the road. After a Tuesday night game at Lovelady, the Sandies will have a bye before heading to Groveton next Tuesday.

Centerville and Lovelady are tied for second with 6-3 records. Slocum is next at 6-4, and Groveton is 4-5.

The Sandies led Centerville 16-7 after a quarter, 29-17 at the half and 37-24 heading into the fourth.

Lakerian Smith led with 20 points  and 7 boards. Johnny Lamb had 10 (2 treys), followed by Omarian Wiley with 8, Cole Goolsby 6 and Zandric Anderson 3.

Kionte Willis and Trey Davison chipped in 2 apiece and Nate Ivey had 1.

Playing on the road last Tuesday, the Sandies blasted Jewett Leon, 70-28.

Grapeland came out full throttle to grab a 27-6 first quarter lead. It was 44-17 at the break and 55-28 after three.

Lamb drained three treys and finished with 21 points.

Smith had a double-double with 12 points and 11 rebounds, along with booking 5 blocks and 2 deflections.

Omarian Wiley rounded out double figures with 11. Willis had 8 while Goolsby and Ivey had 6 apiece. 

Cadarian Wiley helped out on the boards by grabbing 10 rebounds.