Reindeer pull away to down Malden

Staff photo by Mike Buhler Clarkton's Justin Brown (23) shoots a 3-pointer over a Malden defender during the third quarter of Tuesday's boys' high school basketball game at Clarkton. [Click to enlarge]

CLARKTON, Mo. -- The ongoing struggle that is the Malden 2008-2009 basketball season continued Tuesday night as the Green Wave fell at the hands of the Clarkton Reindeer by a count of 86-63.

Unlike in many contests throughout the season, Malden kept the game competitive in the early going as early 3-pointers from Jordan Gregory and Andy Matthews sparked the Green Wave. Clarkton senior Justin Brown led the way in the early going as his penetrating ability got him to the free throw line and gave Clarkton a 20-17 first quarter lead.

As the second quarter got underway, Brown dribbled down the lane and delivered with a one-handed slam to help shift the momentum. Fellow senior Dustin Ferguson also came alive in the second quarter by scoring nine of his eventual 24 points on the evening.

Staff photo by Mike Buhler Malden's Andy Matthews (32) looks to pass against Clarkton's Jordan Jones during the second quarter of Tuesday's boys' high school basketball game at Clarkton. [Click to enlarge]

"It's us seniors first time beating them, so it feels pretty good," said Ferguson after the victory. "We don't have time to celebrate though, because we have to get prepared both mentally and physically for our next game against Campbell. We have to come out with a lot of intensity and play hard. If we do, I like our chances."

After the break, the Reindeer came out with outstanding intensity on defense as they were able to pull away by holding Malden to just 12 points on the period.

The 'Deer also got a boost from Brown, who drained three 3-pointers in the period to help Clarkton pull away.

Clarkton was then able to coast on its way to the final.

Brown and Ferguson both turned in big nights for Clarkton as they finished with 24 points apiece.

Malden was led on offense by Andy Matthews' 19 points.

The Reindeer are back in action Thursday night in what many people consider to be the game of the year in the Tri-County against arch rival Campbell.

Malden won the junior varsity contest.