Free-throw shooting has been an Achilles' heel for the Woodlawn-Baton Rouge boys basketball team.
It turned out to be a strength on Wednesday at Lafayette Renaissance, however, as the Panthers knocked down 14 free throws in the second half — nine in the fourth quarter — and overcame a five-point deficit to win 55-52.
"As promised, it was going to be a dogfight," Woodlawn coach Stefson Arnold said. "I think the difference was we were able to neutralize their shooters in the second half."
LRCA (15-5, No. 5 in Division III select power ratings) made five 3-pointers in the first half and two in the third quarter but was held to seven points on three field goals and a free throw in the fourth while the Panthers scored 15 points.
"Fifty-two points is one of our lowest-scoring games of the year," LRCA coach Brad Boyd said. "We're not making free throws. We're not executing at the end of the game and giving up a few offensive rebounds.
"Credit to coach Stefson and Woodlawn. It's a big road win for them. They were excited. You could hear them hooting and hollering in the locker room. Kudos to them for that."
Matthew Gordon scored 16 points to lead the Tigers, who were ahead at the end of each of the first three quarters. Evan Ledoux came off the bench to add 14, and Bubba Etienne scored eight of his 11 points in the third quarter.
"We talked about senior leadership and playing a complete game in the locker room," Boyd said. "We watched the ball a lot tonight. No more excuses when you're getting coached up. During that intense part of the game, be able to accept the coaching."
Woodlawn (14-10), which moved up to No. 15 in the Division I power ratings, got 15 points from Leo Clark, who was 4 for 4 from the free-throw line in the third quarter.
"Leo normally gets us off to a good start," Arnold said. "We try to get him as many touches as we can and also use him as a decoy."
Senior Kingston Jarrell added 15 points for the Panthers despite leaving the game for a spell in the first half after he ripped a fingernail completely off. Eleven of Jarrell's points were in the second half. Kaleb Brandon scored 10 points and sank five free throws in the fourth quarter.
"It was hard for Kingston to perform like he's able to, but he came through at the end," Arnold said of the 6-foot-5 transfer from Liberty Magnet, who had a recent career high 34-point game.
"This was a big win, a much-needed win. I told our kids in the locker room that this was the game of the year for us. We've been on an up-and-down trend, but this time we came out on top. We'll be ready for Madison Prep on Friday."
LRCA will host Lafayette Christian (7-10) on Friday in the District 6-2A opener. It will be the only meeting between the rivals.
"It will be a packed gym," Boyd said. "It will come down to who can withstand the runs. You never know how kids will react. Hopefully they'll react the right way, and we can get that win to start district."