Lancaster holds off Independence at Phenom Hoops’ New Year’s Bash

The Lancaster boys basketball team won a close one Friday afternoon.

In a showcase game at the Phenom Hoops New Years Bash, the South Carolina state championship contender earned a 70-66 victory to knock off Independence.

Jordan Watford, the Queens-bound combo guard and preseason Rock Hill Herald player to watch, led Lancaster with a 17-point performance — including a one-handed dunk on his defender’s head — on 7-of-10 shooting.

The Bruins (9-1), winners of four straight, also got 16 points from junior Columbus Parker — son of former J.C. Smith great Chris “Green Light” Parker — and 13 points from senior co-captain Jacarey Ballard.

Lancaster will play Cannon at the invitational in the Marvin Ridge gymnasium at 2:30 p.m. Saturday.

“Our defense translates into our offense,” Lancaster head coach Jerron Cauthen said. “It was a tough win, a very tough win. I’m excited for our guys. But we’ve got to have short-term memory.

“Don’t get too high on the wins, don’t get too low on the losses. (Saturday), we’ve got to get ready for another tough opponent here in (Concord’s) Cannon.”

Independence, ranked No. 10 in The Charlotte Observer’s latest Sweet 16, grabbed the early advantage and led at halftime after initially getting beaten in transition.

Both sides’ offenses played fast throughout the game, firing short passes and moving with intensity across the court. Lancaster took a slim lead during the third quarter, but it remained close until the finish.

“Independence High School is a very well-coached team,” Cauthen said. “We expected a competitive game, but we also expected to win. We practice hard. Our guys are committed. I’m committed. My staff is committed.

“Our community, as we can see, was here. We’re grateful and thankful to get this win.”