No. 4 Tigers demolish Danville

DANVILLE - The New London-Danville basketball rivalry has seen its share of barnburners, but Friday night looked more like arson. The fourth-ranked Tigers extinguished Danville's conference title hopes 66-35 after blazing the Bears by 24 in the first half.

New London busted the game open early. The Tigers led 19-4 in the first quarter and 32-8 at halftime, a stunning difference from their one-point win over the Bears at home in November.

New London continued to pull away in the third quarter, dropping 22 points in the period and the Tigers led 54-19 after three. Danville saved face with a 16-12 fourth quarter, but the game was decided well before then.

Isaac McSorley, who was out with a lower-body injury the first time the two teams met up, scored 15 points against the rival Bears. Grant Swanson added 15 of his own. Keontae Luckett had 10 to give the Tigers three players in double figures.

The Tigers now turn their attention toward a game Henry County basketball fans have looked forward to since it was announced last year. New London will take on Mt. Pleasant at Mt. Pleasant Community High School tonight (Monday) at 7:30 p.m.