ORRVILLE&045;&uot;That’s the kind of intensity we’ve been looking for,&uot; said a

triumphant Keith coach Joseph Pettway after his Bears dispatched rival Dallas County 61-51 in the opening round of the Dallas County Holiday Tournament at Orrville.

The Bears employed a match-up zone to stymie the Hornets accurate outside shooting and position themselves to the control the defensive boards.

The plan worked to perfection as Jeremiah Whitt, Charles Jones and Marcus Tabb created havoc on the perimeter, resulting in 10 first-half turnovers and a 25-20 half-time lead.

Hornet big man Michael Johnson was double teamed relentlessly by the quicker Bears and early foul trouble again caused him to be ineffective as the Plantertsville squad fell deeper in a hole early in the second half.

Whitt and Jimmie Richardson combined for 9 points in a 13-2 run to open the third quarter and the Bears never looked back.

Bill Porter Jr’s cagers continued to compete and trimmed the

lead to 54-47 on a Johnson put back with 1:45 to go.

Emerging sophomore LaDarrius Jones led a balanced attack with 14 points. He was supported by Charles Jones with 13; Richardson added 12 and John Harrison chipped in 8, all in the second half.

Antonio Perry paced DCHS with a game-high 22 points and 11 rebounds. The 6-foot-7 Johnson knocked down 11, but only 4 after intermission. Keith with attempt to sink their claws in to the Southside Panthers in the championship clash on Saturday night.

Editor’s Note: Look for the championship round results in Monday’s STJ.