By Marla Jones, Sports Editor

marla@southerntorch.com

Cleveland 71,

Collinsville 49

JACKSONVILLE, Ala.— In the Class 2A Northeast Regional Semifinals at Jacksonville State University Friday night, the Cleveland Panthers defeated the Collinsville Panthers, 71-49.

Collinsville jumped to an early 7- point lead in the first few minutes of the game.  Cleveland quickly answered back and both teams equally matched each other with Cleveland having the 16-15 lead going into the second quarter.  It was during the second that Cleveland turned up the heat on Collinsville and went into the half with a 37-22 lead.

At the end of the third Cleveland had the 59-40 lead.  They outscored Collinsville 12-9 in the fourth for a final score of 71-49.

Junior Kahlil Johnson, the 6-foot-8 guard, posted a triple-double with 31 points, 13 rebounds, 10 blocked shots and 5 assists for the Cleveland Panthers.  “We had a hard time containing 24 (Johnson)”, said Collinsville Head Coach Jon Tidmore.

Sophomore Austin Posey had 27-points and 5 rebounds for the Collinsville Panthers.  When asked about how he felt about his performance in the game,  Posey said, “You have to be more than a threat in a game.  I will be back in the gym tomorrow working toward next season.”

“Our team is very young.  Our two leading scorers are sophomores.” said Collinsville Head Coach Jon Tidmore.  “ We were 11-11, at one time.  I’ll take that, (Panthers won 7 of final 9 games) and get to come down here.”

Collinsville finishes the season with a 18-13 record.