Salisbury Cruise Past Clopton in Class 2 Quarterfinal

The Salisbury Panthers used a pair of 9-0 runs in the first half to grab control early in a 59-43 victory over Clopton in a Class 2 Quarterfinal Friday night. The Panthers opened up a double-digit lead in the first half thanks in large part to Cooper Francis.

Colin Schowe with the calls on 99.9 The Captain and centralmoinfo.com as Francis scored 13 of his team-high 17 points in the first half. The Panthers held a 31-16 lead at halftime and built a lead as large as 19 in the second half. Coach Kenny Wyatt credited a defensive switch in the second quarter for the separation.

The Hawks outscored Salisbury 13-11 in the third quarter and got as close as eleven before the Panthers built the lead back up. Ethan Hamilton finished the game with 16 points including going 8-8 from the free throw line in the final quarter. Wyatt said he was pleased with the way his team closed the game out.

Kane Eivins led the Hawks with 21 points. Clopton concludes the season with a record of 21-9.

Salisbury advances to face Hartville next Friday in the Class 2 Semifinal round at Hammons Student Center in Springfield. Tipoff is scheduled for 4:00.

Salisbury coach Kenny Wyatt