Southwest boys dominate ACE in 78-61 home win

The Southwest boys got back to their dominant ways Tuesday night, as they shut down the ACE Gryphons at home with superb shooting and rode an early lead to a 78-61 win.

The 17-point gap in the final score somehow belied Southwest’s dominance, as the Patriots led by as many as 30 points at multiple times throughout the evening.

It was the first true home game for Southwest since Dec. 19, and the region win proved a huge relief for a squad that has dealt with injuries, a suspension and a grueling trip to Florida to face some stacked prep teams.

“It feels great. I told ‘em in the locker room: ‘We’re home, finally,’” Hardnett said. “We’ve got a good run of home games coming up here, and it’s really good to be back.

“It’s been a grueling schedule. I don’t know if I’d do that again,” he quipped.

Chase Dupree led the Patriots with 27 points, but it was transfer Alex Butts who stood out with 20 points on the night to go along with some smooth passes and smart plays.

“Alex played outstanding today. He did a lot of great stuff. We always relate him to (Brandon Ashley) from last year, the guy that’s trying to find his way,” Hardnett said, evoking one of Southwest’s most important players from its state championship appearance last year. “I told him, right around this time he’ll start to find his way.”

Nearly everyone had a hot hand for the Patriots. With C.J. Howard dishing out assists with precision — he also had 15 points by himself — things were rolling from the get-go for Southwest.

“We had a great shootaround today after school. I told ‘em to make sure they were loose. Being at home in your comfort zone kind of helps, too, being in the gym that you practice in every day,” Hardnett said of his team’s shooting. “We need to make sure we’re locked in here in the second half of the season, this is about the point where we went on a run last year. It’ll help to have these home games coming up.”

While the Gryphons have looked vastly improved from last year’s 8-16 finish with an 8-7 start so far, ACE was no match for Southwest’s shooting ability. Things got late early when the Patriots went up by 15 within the first quarter.

“Anybody that shoots that well in the first half is gonna be tough to beat. Our guys fought hard, I think in the last couple years we might’ve lost that game by 50,” ACE head coach Bert Barnes said. “I’m pretty proud of the work they’ve done.”

Jaylon Davis led the Gryphons with 14 points, while Bryson Vincent followed with 11. 

The end of the game was particularly entertaining. With about four minutes left, the two teams traded quick, ferocious drives where different players heaved up threes or drove into the lane with almost reckless abandon. Some of the Southwest crowd loved it, making some noise whenever a 3-pointer went in regardless of the shooter’s team allegiance.

The game’s ending was less thrilling for Hardnett than it was for the spectators that stayed for the whole night at Duck’s Court.

“It’s great to be back home and have the guys feel comfortable. The defensive effort was there in the first half, but I think they got a little lackadaisical in the second half. I think if we can get everyone going like they were tonight and do that for a full game, we’ll be fine,” Hardnett said. 

The Patriots face Bleckley County on the road Friday in their next region game, while ACE is scheduled to travel to Central on Friday.