NEWBERN &045; After trailing for most of the game, the Sunshine Tigers put just enough spark in the third and fourth quarters to beat the Linden Patriots, 46-45.

Linden led 13-6 after the first eight minutes of play, as the Tigers were only able to connect on two field goals. The second quarter was played almost even, but two consecutive triples by Kendarius Goodwill kept the Patriots on top, 23-17 at half time.

Linden pulled away to a 10 point advantage to started the third quarter, but Sunshine would follow with seven unanswered points, including a three-pointer by Justin Wagner to make the score 30-27. A steal and lay up by Darmekus Lewis would tie the game with 41 seconds in the quarter. Goodwill dropped in another three-pointer to put the Patriots back up at the end of the quarter.

Lay ups by Wagner and Lewis gave the Tigers a one-point advantage opening the fourth. Both teams would exchange baskets on their next possessions. Sunshine would come back with two field goals to go up by four with a minute left to play.

Linden added another score, but the Tigers would turn the ball over, but on the break Wagner would block a lay up attempt by Gary Williams. Linden’ Sean Richardson would get fouled on the offensive rebound. His missed one of two free throw attempts with four seconds left.

Lady Tigers rip Maplesville

Freshman sensation, Shafontaye Myers took over the game in the third quarter for the Sunshine Lady Tigers, scoring 17 of her game high 36 points to lead her team to a 54-39 win over the Maplesville Lady Red Devils.

Maplesville led 20-17 after two quarters of play, but Sunshine out scored the Lady Red Devils 24-13 in the third to get control of the game and then went on the claim its area tournament championship.