Patrician Academy’s Will Morris tries to fight off Clarkdale’s Carson Jones to get off a shot Thursday night during the Lamar School Christmas Bash.

The Saints of Patrician Academy defeated the Bulldogs of Clarkdale High School in the Lamar School Christmas Bash Thursday evening. The Bulldogs struggled on the offensive end early and were never able to cut into an early deficit. 

The Saints won by a score of 48-28.

Both teams got off to a slow start shooting in the first quarter. The Bulldogs played strong defense throughout the quarter, but Patrician Academy was eventually able to take advantage of a few turnovers and hit a few shots late in the quarter. 

At the end of the first, the Saints led 8-0. 

The Saints were able to build their lead in the second quarter. Behind some hot shooting, the lead was extended to 18 points before the Bulldogs made a shot. Cole Richards hit a 3-pointer with 4:30 left in the second quarter to give the Bulldogs their first points of the game. Heading into the locker room, the Saints led 30-5. 

Lee McBride led the Saints in scoring with eight points, while Richards led the Bulldogs with three points. 

Clarkdale came out of the locker room with the hot hand in the 3rd quarter. The Bulldogs were able to connect on some shots and go on a run to cut into the Saints’ lead. Led by the sharp shooting of Peyton Miller, the Bulldogs outscored the Saints 13-6 in the third quarter. At the end of the period, the Saints’ lead had been trimmed to 36-18.  

The Saints went on a 5-0 run to start the fourth quarter and extend their lead. Midway through the fourth quarter, both teams put in some of their younger players. Both squads displayed great hustle throughout the final period and showed off some young talent.

The Bulldogs were led by Miller, who tallied six points for the evening. The Saints were led by McBride with 11 points. 

After the game, Patrician coach David Ingram said, “It’s good to get back in action and get a win. I’m happy to get some momentum heading into area play”.

With the loss, Clarkdale falls to 1-9 on the season. The Bulldogs will return to action Saturday in the Lamar School Christmas Bash, when they take on Victory Christian at 10:00 a.m. 

The Saints will play Lamar School Friday at 7:00 p.m.