Telegraph Staff Writer
Jacksonville’s Joshua Christian Academy went on a 12-0 fourth-quarter run in defeating the Bradford High School junior varsity team 49-31 on day one of the Lake Area McDonald’s-Kiwanis of Starke Christmas Basketball Tournament at BHS on Dec. 16.
Bradford (0-2) entered the final quarter trailing by nine, but was outscored 14-5 the rest of the way.
The Tornadoes held the early lead, with back-to-back three-pointers by Race Black giving them a 6-2 lead. Black made all of his free-throw attempts after getting fouled shooting a three before Mattox Burgin drained a shot from beyond the arc to put Bradford ahead 12-5.
Joshua scored the first eight points of the second quarter to take a 17-12 lead. The Tornadoes were able to cut into the lead, with Burgin scoring on a drive to the basket and later making a free throw, sending the Tornadoes into halftime trailing 19-17.
The Eagles began pulling away in the third quarter, putting together a 10-2 run that included two three-pointers.
Black led the Tornadoes with 16 points, while Burgin had nine. Journie Sampson and Jordan Thomas scored three and two points, respectively, while Willie Pollard chipped in one.
Bradford will play Clay to start day two of the tournament today at 4 p.m.
