A Night For Roadrunner Celebration
The Dalton State athletic department had plenty to celebrate Tuesday night at the Northwest Georgia Trade and Convention Center.
It was a great win, 75-68, over visiting Tennessee Temple and the end of a great season – 26 wins against only four losses. It was also a celebration of the return of athletics to the campus and the evening of the 400
th career victory for head coach
Tony Ingle.
Senior Night was a night to honor Desmond Phillips,
Ricky Sears, and Demetrice Jacobs. They received commemorative photos before the game and their parents were also recognized.
As Lori McDaniel performed our national anthem, we were honored to have young cancer survivors McKinley Kersey and Esme Miller as flag bearers.
Roadrunners 75, Tennessee Temple 68
The Roadrunners had several 10 point first half leads and were ahead at intermission by eight, 40-32.
The Crusaders wouldn't give up. They came back to tie the game in the second half, but they never took the lead. Dalton State then pulled out to a 12-point lead.
Tennessee Temple outscored the Roadrunners after the break, 36-35, but the hosts escaped with the seven-point win, 75-68.
Seniors
Ricky Sears and Demetrice Jacobs scored 17 and 12 points in their final game for Dalton State, including some key foul shots. Sears hit 4-6 and Jacobs, 5-6, from the free throw line. Senior Desmond Phillips scored three points.
LaDaris Green again had a "double-double" with 13 points and 15 rebounds.
Preston Earle also scored 13. Sears and
Anthony Hilliard each pulled down seven boards.
Sean Tate scored nine, including 3-3 from the charity stripe.
The Roadrunners out rebounded the Crusaders, 47-44. A big factor was the free throw line where Dalton State scored 18 points on 26 attempts (69.2%) while Tennessee Temple hit 12 of only 15 attempts (80%). The Roadrunners gained six of the seven points difference at the line as the Crusaders had to fout late to stay close.
Elliot Johnson scored 17 for Tennessee Temple. Darius Davis, 14; Tony Sparkman, 11; Weedland Bevil, 11 and Travis Clark, 7.
LaDaris Green (2) sets a screen for
Ricky Sears (1)
Preston Earle (23)goes to the bucket
Preston puts it up again.
Ricky Sears makes a crucial second half free throw.
Demetrice Jacobs (5) is fouled as he heads for the basket.
Sean Tate shows his usual hustle. He dives for the ball, then quickly got it to
Preston Earle for two.
Green and Earle on second half offense.
Anthony Hilliard (3) had another steller night.
Seniors Honored
Prior to the game Ricky Seas and Desmond Phillips of Decatur, AL and Demetrice Jacobs of Harlem, NY were recognized for the their senior leadership this season.
FSG Bank Announces Scholarship Fund
At half-time, Dalton State athletic director Derek Waugh thanked the Mashburn Charitable Trust for their long-term commitment to athletics.
He then welcomed Dalton based FSG Bank for agreeing to a long-term annual $10,000 contribution to the Roadrunner scholarship fund. Mike Kramer, Kevin Brunson, and Geoff Olingy of FSG presented a ceremonial check to DS President Dr. John Schwenn and Athletic Director Waugh. They were flanked by Roadrunner athletes.
The FSG scholarship will be devided between all of the sports with emphasis on scholastic ability and community service.
A fan, Tom Phillips, had an opportunity to hit a shot from half court and win a 2014 Ford Focus from Brooker Ford. A valiant effort fell short and to the right.
Dalton Parks and Recreation Department, winners of the 2013-2014 Dodgeball Trophy, received recognition.
The First Four-Year Basketball Team
After the game, the 26-4 Roadrunners were thanked for their efforts. Each member received a replica of the Trade Center court.
Fans who were able to stay after the game also had an opportunity to see the Dalton State competitve cheer team perform their awesome routine.
And there was a LOT fun for all...
