MONTGOMERY &045; The season ends for the Linden Patriots in Montgomery, as they get beat by the St Jude Pirates, 64-42, who are the 1A defending champions.

Getting to Montgomery means you had a successful season, especially if you’re playing in the championship game. Linden reached the 1A’Elite Eight’, which means they were on of the top eight teams in its class.

The Patriots match up with St. Jude (21-5), who features D-I prospect, 6-8 JaMychal Green, can create problems for a team offensively and defensively, as well.

Linden was in the game or it seems after the first quarter, trailing 20-15. But something happen between the beginning of the second quarter and the 5:08 mark of the third quarter.

The Patriots connected on one field goal in a span of 11 minutes, including a seven-minute scoring drought. During that time, the Pirates netted 23 points to all but put the game out of reach. St. Jude led at the half 36-18.

Once the Patriots put a halt to its scoring slump, and after falling behind by as much as 20, the continued to fight, but couldn’t gain much ground. Though inexperienced in this level of play, Linden played the Pirates even the rest of the way.

Green was dominant inside recording a double-double along with teammate Kyle Watkins. Green scored 17 points and pulled down 17 rebounds and earned tournament MVP. Watkins finished with 15 points and 11 rebounds.

Linden, who at times felt there was a lid on the basket, as the ball seem to pop out, missed eight lay ups in the first half. They shot just 25 percent from the floor for the game, also, including one out of 20 during the scoring drought.

Junior Sean Richardson, who made the all-tournament team, netted 12 points and grabbed seven boards for the Patriots, who finishes its season with a 16-8 record. Senior Darnell Richardson added 10 points.