Senators rally past Sparks in Classic opener

Wednesday's scores:

Spanish Springs 39, Central Valley 38

Buchanan 79, Spring Creek 58

Reed 64, Dayton 60

Carson 63, Sparks 47

Today's games:

Central Valley vs. Sparks, 3 p.m.

Spring Creek vs. Dayton, 4:30

Buchanan vs. Reed, 6

Carson vs. Spanish Springs, 7:30

By Dave Price

Appeal Sports Writer

Jack Jacquet scored 14 of his game-high 20 points during a third quarter run that propelled the Carson High boys basketball team to a 63-47 victory against Sparks onWednesday night during first round play of the 29th annual Capital Classic, presented by the Carson City Host Lions Club.

Carson outscored Sparks 25-12 in the third quarter to break open what had been a close contest at Morse Burley Gymnasium. Down 22-21 going to the locker room at halftime, the Senators (4-3) returned to the court with a different outlook, according to coach Bruce Barnes.

"I think we played with a little bit of energy and hopefully they're starting to understand how important that is," Barnes said of the third quarter outburst. "Like we keep telling them, to be successful, you have to play as hard as you can and prepare for each game to the best of your abilities. When you can do that, good things usually happen."

Jacquet set the tone when he drove for two points to give Carson a 23-22 lead at the outset of the third quarter. The senior forward also had six straight points as the Senators extended their lead to 38-31 with 2:46 left in the period. Adam A rebound and quick downcourt pass by Adam Houghton resulted in a breakaway layup by Kevin Brush, then Houghton split two defenders with a pass to Jake Jeffers underneath for a layup that made it 44-33.

Sparks never got back to within single digits again.

Jeffers finished the night with 17 points to go with Jacquet's season-high 20.

"That's not a surprise; he's probably the most athletic kid we have," Barnes said of Jacquet's output. "He just needs to come prepared to play mentally. He's got to be a double digit guy for us."

Zach Weismann and Steve Mandoki contributed six points each for Carson. Cory Olsen led the Railroaders with 12 points.

n Contact Dave Price at dprice@nevadaappeal.com or call 881-1220