Hamilton Christian started play in its inaugural David Moore/Shaun Edwards Memorial Tournament in style beating Sulphur 64-50 Thursday night to earn a spot in today’s semifinals.

The Warriors (5-1) built a double-digit lead in the first quarter and held on after the Tors (4-3) cut the lead to six midway through the fourth quarter.

Julian Marcantel, assuming a larger role in the offense with all-district guard Kenan Fontenot sidelined with a thumb injury, scored 10 of his 12 points in the first half to help the Warriors assume control.

“I gave him the game ball tonight,” said Warriors head coach Dexter Washington.

“We found out today Fontenot was going to be out; we have to learn how to play without him and we are already missing a starter in Chris Elly. That means younger guys are going to have to step up.

“We got them after them tonight. When we walked out of the locker room, I looked at Marcantel and Keiland Blackwell and said ‘I’ve got to get some offense.’”

Washington got it, with Blackwell scoring nine and Marcantel providing a spark in the first half.

Justin Bartie led the Warriors with 21 points and Brandon Blackwell added 20 points.

Derrick Gallien led Sulphur with 15 points, including nine in the third quarter. A pair of baskets by Darius Ardoin in the fourth quarter pulled the Tors to within 52-46, but Hamilton closed the game with a 12-4 run.

Washington said the win was a big one.

“We have a tough schedule,” he said. “It is going to make us a better team later in the year. It is a great win for our program. I am hoping to play against high-caliber competition (in the tournament). It gives our kids a chance to play against 5A programs, get some exposure, and lets them know that they can compete against anybody.

“We may be a 1A school, but we don’t have 1A players. That is the message we try to get them to understand. They can compete with anyone.”(Rick Hickman/American Press)

Rick Hickman