By Brandon Shields

 

PEARL — In the first game of the season a fast start is always key.

 

For Pearl that was the key as the Pirates used a big second half to get past Southeast Lauderdale 65-34 in the season opener for both teams on Tuesday night.

 

“We just wanted to get out to a fast start,” said Pearl coach Rod Taylor. “We got a new team that is young, so didn’t know what to expect especially in the first game. Wasn’t a whole lot of offense, so we just wanted to get some turnovers and get down the court and score some open baskets.”

 

Pearl jumped out to a 9-0 lead to begin the game and held a 14-5 lead at the end of the first quarter.

 

Southeast Lauderdale went on an 8-6 run in the second quarter to cut the Pearl down to 20-13, but the Pirates ended the first half up 24-13.

 

The second half was the difference as Pearl used a 18-3 run to begin the third quarter to jump out to a 46-18 lead and eventually held a 48-24 lead heading into the fourth quarter.

 

The Pirates went on 11-2 run to begin the final frame to stretch the lead out to 57-26 and sealed the game from there.

 

Kaden Arterberry scored a game-high 27 points to lead Pearl, while Jalen Stringfellow added 12 points and Jaden Leak chipped in 10 points for the Pirates (1-0).

 

“We knew that they were a good team that likes to penetrate and have small guards, so we just need to keep them in front of us,” Taylor said. “As the game we on we settled down and stayed in front of them, created turnovers, and got a lot of points in transition. Arterberry is a great and is a kid that can get you a double-double every night and we got to do a better job of getting him the ball. It’s one game, so we can watch film and work on things to get better at.”

 

Davian Franklin had 11 points to lead Southeast Lauderdale, while Jarvis Watts added 10 points for the Tigers (0-1).

 

“Got a young, inexperienced team and missing some key guys and some young guys got baptized tonight,” said Southeast Lauderdale coach Jordan Payne. “The guys played hard and that’s all I can ask. We need to get everybody back and healthy and just keep building. It’s a long season and it’s a grind.”