Navarro pulls ahead for win

A close game was swept away in the second half when the Navarro Bulldogs pulled ahead to defeat the Panola College Ponies 52-36. The Ponies hosted the Bulldogs in the A.J. Johnson Gym on January 16.

The Ponies lost sophomore starter JaRon Denmark in the first half because of a shoulder injury suffered as he fought for the ball. Denmark tried to stay in the game, but had to be replaced. He is undergoing physical therapy and hopes to be back before the end of the season, according to Junsie Cotten, head coach.

Gilbert Carter, #3 freshman point guard from Houston, led scoring for Panola with 12. Joshua Brannon, #24, sophomore from Houston, added 7; Marquis Yates, #11 freshman from Manassas, VA, scored 6; Lonnie McElwain, #34, sophomore from Indianapolis, IN, and Ben Merritt, #1, sophomore from Logan Township, NJ, each had 4 points, and Joe Williams, #2, a New Orleans freshman had 3 points in the contest.

Trouble at the free-throw line hampered the Ponies, who made 7 of 18 attempts. The Bulldogs were 18 for 21 free throws.

See more photos from the game at the Panola College vs Navarro College January 16 Photo Gallery.

The Ponies host Tyler Junior College on Wednesday, Jan. 23 in another conference game.