How important was Jaydarius Wilson to the Caldwell County lineup?
When he sat for over 5 minutes in the third period with three fouls, Dawson Springs overcame what had once been a 14-point deficit.
A late 3-pointer in the third quarter by Rex Blue and another trey by Blue to start the fourth period had the Panthers in front 45-43.
However, Caldwell regained the momentum behind a 17-2 run that ultimately decided the contest.
Wilson had 10 points during that run and finished the contest with 24 as the Tigers defeated the Panthers 65-49 in a physical 7th District battle.
After taking its only lead of the night at 45-43, Dawson managed just two baskets the rest of the way. Caldwell outscored the Panthers 22-4 over the final 7 minutes to take the 16-point decision.
Demaurius Thompson also had a big night for the Tigers, getting 19 points. It was his steal and layup that tied the game at 45-45 with 6:51 left.
Dawson was still as close as 51-47 when Blue swished a short jumper with 4:49 remaining.
But Wilson had a three-point play as part of a 9-0 burst that put Caldwell up 60-47 with less than 2 minutes to go.
Blue and Montgomery Johnston combined for 47 of Dawson’s 49 points.
Blue had 14 of his 25 in the second half. Johnston netted 15 of his 22 in the first half.
The Tigers led virtually all night after opening the contest with an 8-0 run behind a pair of 3-pointers from Thompson.
A Collin Whittington 3 had Caldwell up 33-19 late in the first half.
But Blue buried a shot from behind the midcourt stripe at the halftime buzzer to get Dawson within 33-26 at the break.
Caldwell led by as much as nine points in the third period before Dawson got to within a single point, 43-42, entering the fourth quarter.
The Tigers have taken 14 of their last 15 meetings with Dawson. Caldwell leads the all-time series 98-44.
Both teams will play in the 2nd Region All A Classic next week.
Caldwell County 17 16 10 22 — 65
Dawson Springs 14 12 16 7 — 49
Caldwell County (6-5, 1-0)—Wilson 24, Thompson 19, Co. Whittington 8, Parker 7, Maddox 3, Roach 3, Ca. Whittington 1.
Dawson Springs (8-7, 1-2)—Blue 25, Johnston 22, Plunkette 2.
