MEDFORD – The Roseburg boys basketball team rallied from an early 10-point deficit to tie the game after three quarters, but the South Medford Panthers held the edge in the final period and hung on for a 49-44 victory over the Indians on Tuesday night.
The Panthers broke open a 5-5 game with a 9-0 run midway through the first quarter and eventually led by 10 against the Indians. Roseburg slowly chipped away at the lead and trailed by only three going to the halftime break.
Collin Warmouth was a big part of Roseburg’s rally in the first half. The junior scored 16 of his game-high 18 points before halftime. He shot 5-of-8 from the floor and went 5-for-5 from the free throw line, but managed only two points in the second half.
Cody Johnson came alive after the break for the Indians. Roseburg (11-9; 2-6 SWC) outscored South Medford 12-9 in the third quarter to tie the game at 37 going to the final period. Johnson had five points in the third for Roseburg and added another five in the fourth. He finished with 13 points and three made 3-pointers.
A hot start to the fourth quarter propelled South Medford (7-13; 3-6 SWC) to the win. The Panthers went on a 6-0 to begin the period and the Indians couldn’t catch up.
Sherman Hunter led South Medford with 13 points. He made 3-of-8 from behind the 3-point line. Jesse Higgins added 10 points for the Panthers.
Up next for the Roseburg boys will be a visit to Willamette High School on Friday. The Indians and Wolverines will tipoff at 6:45 p.m.
ROSEBURG 11; 14; 12; 7 – 44
S. MEDFORD 18; 10; 9; 12 – 49
ROSEBURG (44) – Collin Warmouth 18, Johnson 13, Crince 4, Ellis 3, Seely 2, Lake 2, Stone 2, Medak.
S. MEDFORD (49) – Sherman Hunter 13, Higgins 10, J. Owens 9, Fealey 8, Losinski 4, A. Boster 3, P. Owens 2, DeBoer, English, Randleman.