Tuesday Basketball Roundup: No. 2 Tatum Escapes + San Augustine, Laneville Bound For Regionals

WHITEHOUSE -- The second-ranked Tatum Eagles survived a scare Tuesday night, ultimately finishing off pesky Nacogdoches Central Heights 56-54 in their Class 2A Region III quarterfinal at Wildcat Arena.

Tatum (32-4), a regional finalist from a season ago, is back at the regional tournament and will face Marlin at 7 p.m. Friday from SFA's Johnson Coliseum in the second Region III semi.

Robbie Rockwell sank two free throws with 14 seconds remaining to break a 54-54 tie, and ultimately lead Tatum to victory.

Martin Williams led the Eagles with 15 points to go with eight rebounds and two steals. Chaston Brooks added 11 points, four boards and four steals, Rockwell had eight points, while Klifton Willis chipped in with seven points, three rebounds and two assists.

Central Heights (20-15) was led by Keaton Fontenot's 17 points, while Tanner Garner finished with 11 in defeat.

San Augustine Holds Off Alto

HUNTINGTON -- The San Augustine Wolves are headed back to Tyler to defend their regional title after a hard-fought 72-65 win over Alto on Tuesday in their Class A Division I Region III quarterfinal.

No. 10 San Augustine (28-8) will face sixth-ranked LaPoynor at 5 p.m. Friday from Tyler Junior College's Wagstaff Gym in one regional semifinal. The Wolves are two wins from reaching the state tournament in Austin for the second consecutive season.

Dez Randle led San Augustine on Tuesday with 22 points. Jarvis Smith added 17 points, Jeremy Jenkins followed with 10, while Jamikel Roberts and JD Brown combined for 15 points in the win.

Laneville Headed to Regionals

PALESTINE -- The second-ranked Laneville Yellowjackets advanced to the Class A Division II Region IV tournament with a 69-55 defeat of No. 5 Calvert on Tuesday in their regional quarterfinal.

Laneville (30-6) will face Moulton at 2 p.m. Friday from Canyon High School in New Braunfels in one regional semi. District rival and third-ranked Oakwood plays in the other, at noon Friday against Waelder. The regional championship is set for 1 p.m. Saturday.

Ty Johnson led four Laneville players in double figures with 19 points on Tuesday. Tra Alexander added 17 points, Donta Harris finished with 16 and Tiarel Franklin chipped in with 10 points.