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Sports

Milton Boys Win First Round of the GHSA 5A Basketball Tournament

Julian Royal surpasses 2,000 point career scoring mark in defeat of Central Gwinnett.

Milton defeated a scrappy Central Gwinnett basketball team, 68-49, in the first round of the GHSA State Class 5A boys tournament.

The enthusiastic crowd was not surprised by the outcome; the margin of victory was the only question. The simple formula used for victory was tenacious defense, rebounds and layups.

Milton won the initial tap and took control from the start. Although Milton missed their few layups, a good defense made the difference. Central Gwinnett was patient with their offense, but each pass or dribble was met by a helping defender.

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Jordan Loyd started the scoring for Milton with 2 layups that resulted from steals. The score was 6–0, when Central Gwinnett scored their first basket, a 3-point shot from deep in the corner.

Three pointers were used to keep the game close in the first half. Central Gwinnett began the game with an active 3–2 zone, as Milton worked the ball around until they routinely found Julian Royal in the middle for short jumpers or layups.

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The score at the end of the first quarter was 15–8.

Jump shots were not initially falling for Milton, but fast breaks from steals allowed Milton to increase their lead in the second quarter. Central Gwinnett continuously worked the ball and scored some easy layups on Milton’s active helping defense.

The rebounding advantage clearly went to Milton, Central Gwinnett was allowed one shot each time down the court. Central Gwinnett’s Jerry Coleman fought for every thing under the basket, but Milton’s height advantage was just too much.

The second quarter ended with a score of 32–17.

The third quarter started off with a steal for Milton. Four quick points by Milton and the Central Gwinnett Coach, David Allen, called an early timeout. The majority of Milton’s points were scored on the inside and then Dai-Jon Parker and Evan Nolte began to score with multiple 3 pointers.

A 19- 12 scoring advantage allowed Milton to end the third quarter with the score of 51–29.

The fourth quarter began as the third quarter ended, a 3-pointer by Parker and a layup by Royal. Milton lead by as many as 21 points and forced Central Gwinnett out of their 3-2 zone defense. Central Gwinnett traded baskets with Milton throughout the fourth quarter but could not reduce the deficit.

A thunder dunk by Jerry Coleman gave the Central Gwinnett crowd something to cheer about.

The final score Milton 68, Central Gwinnett 49.

Coach Nathan Tornow was not surprised by the play of Central Gwinnett, he knew they would play Milton tough with their young athletic players. He was pleased with the play of Julian Royal, who scored 22 points and surpassed the 2,000 point scoring mark for his career at Milton. Coach Tornow was also pleased with the play of Dai-Jon Parker, after being sick all week.

The next opponent for Milton is Peachtree Ridge, a high scoring up-tempo team.

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