South Oak Cliff coach James Mays II isn’t afraid of mass substitutions, rolling out completely new lineups off the bench.
In a rivalry game against Kimball — with the District 11-4A lead at stake — the strategy worked like a charm.
Ten SOC players scored — with junior guard Christian Massingburg contributing a game-high 27 points — in a 94-86 win at Ellis Davis Field House.
“This year, I think we can do that because we’ve got a lot of depth,” Mays said. “It complements what we try to do, playing man full-court, and our press.”
SOC (13-5, 5-0 in 11-4A) jumped out to a quick 10-0 lead and never trailed.
The 4A runners-up last season, Kimball (12-4, 4-1) looked flat during the first half — committing 14 turnovers. But after falling behind by 16 points in the third quarter, Kimball showed a spark behind senior forward Trent Brinkley, who scored six of his 14 points during an 8-0 run.
Kimball’s leading scorer D’Angelo Allen — who holds offers from Georgetown and Marquette — finished with 16 points, but scored only five in the second half. He fouled out with three minutes to go in the game.
However, Kimball didn’t fall apart without Allen. Jawun Evans converted a three-point play with little over a minute remaining, cutting SOC’s lead to five. Evans scored 13 of his 19 points in the final period.
JF Thomas — a star wide receiver during SOC’s playoff run — put the game out of reach, getting free for two layups on press breaks and making two free throws in the final minutes.
Massingburg went 8-of-14 from the free throw line in the fourth quarter.
Follow Corbett Smith on Twitter at @corbettsmithDMN.
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