by Stephen M. Lewis
DigitalSports Richmond
slewis@digitalsports.com
(804) 240-2191
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Tyre Desmore is missing a vowel.
Tyre Does-more is more like it.
The senior sparked Petersburg’s full-court 2-2-1 press as the Crimson Wave dispatched of its 26 straight victim, this time John Marshall, 77-70 in the Central Region semifinals Friday night.
The Crimson Wave trailed 46-41 with 2:01 remaining in the third period when coach Bill Lawson III input the pressure.
A slew of Jayem turnovers later, Petersburg led 50-46 going into the fourth period, a 9-0 bolt.
John Marshall got as close as three points, 68-65, but Petersburg knocked in free throws late to close it.
Petersburg received 28 points and eight boards from DuVaughn Maxwell, 15 from Kevin Green, 12 from Frank Mason and nine each from Desmore (six steals) and Spain (eight boards).
The Justices got 20 points, 10 boards and three blocks from Travis McKie. Willie Mangum had 16 points, 14 from Devonte Payne off the bench and 10 each from Tahir Little and Davaughn Lampkin.
The Crimson Wave will face Central District rival Thomas Dale, a 76-61 victor over Meadowbrook in the nightcap.
Three Central District teams made it to the final four, the first time that’s happened in the Central Region.
Now two will play for the title. The winner will stay in the 804 area for the state Group AAA quarterfinals. Loser hits the road to the Eastern Region.
John Marshall 15 16 15 24 – 70
Petersburg 19 11 20 27 – 77
John Marshall (21-5): Mangum 16, Little 10, McKie 20, Lampkin 10, Conyers 0, Payne 14, Eccles 0, Vaughan 0, Jenkins 0. Totals: 26 13-19 70. 3-point goals: Mangum 2, Payne 2, Little.
Petersburg (26-0): Green 15, Desmore 9, Mason 12, Maxwell 28, Spain 9, Hoosier 0, Maxwell 4, Patterson 0. Totals: 27 21-32 77. 3-point goals: Maxwell, Mason.