Jackson helps Harding to remain undefeated

By Tom Williams

NORTH CANTON — Pushed to the limit by a resurgent Canton Timken boys basketball team, Warren Harding senior Desmar Jackson responded with an unforgettable fourth quarter.

After losing a double-digit lead, Jackson’s Raiders led the Trojans, 47-46 when the final period began. The game seesawed as Jackson’s speed took over.

In the final eight minutes, Jackson scored eight points, pulled down five rebounds and made two steals as the Raiders pulled away to a 70-60 victory Saturday in the Pizza Oven Classic at North Canton Hoover High.

“I like games like that,” said Jackson who finished with 21 points, eight rebounds, four steals and a block. “This is a very big win for us.

“That was the most physical team that we’ve played this year,” Jackson said. “I’m a little sore but I’m all right. It was a good game; more important, we came out with the win.”

Timken roared back after missing 18 shots in the first quarter alone.

“If you are going to beat Warren Harding, you are going to have to have an answer to Desmar Jackson, Sheldon Brogdon and Fred Williams,” said Timken coach Rick Hairston, who added that the game between two of Ohio’s top Division I teams “gives us an indication that we can be pretty good. Overall, we played decently, we just did not execute on offense.”

Harding (7-0) coach Steve Arnold said his staff was concerned about a fast-paced team like Timken (6-1) especially after a two-week layoff created by a cancellation last Saturday.

“I thought we responded well,” said Arnold after the Raiders jumped out to a 20-8 lead before the Trojans roared to life. “That wasn’t bad for two weeks off — they were averaging 83 points a game.

“We hang our hat on our defense and it was pretty good, considering that we were in foul trouble,” Arnold said.

Harding had 25 fouls and Timken was called for 23.

Brogdon (four points, four rebounds) and Williams eight points, two rebounds) sparked the Raiders’ strong start.

“It’s a guard game when you have three quality guards like Desmar, Fred and Sheldon,” Arnold said.

Brogdon had 18 points and six rebounds while Williams scored 14. Angel Gonzalez contributed 11 points, seven rebounds and two steals.

“It was a good test of our character,” Arnold said. “At halftime, I talked to the kids about composure.”

That’s because the Trojans outscored the Raiders 26-20 to cut Harding’s lead to 37-32 at the break. Brogdon’s 3-pointer at the buzzer sent the Trojans to the locker room frustrated.

About Jackson, Arnold said, “He played a terrific game for us — 32 minutes.”

Anthony Cox led the Trojans with 11 points, Cory Porrini scored 10 and Chazmin Moore and Jehvon Clarke each had nine.

“That’s a good game for us, to see a caliber of a team like that so early in the season,” Timken coach Rick Hairston said. “I told our kids that we’re not going to see a team that athletic, that quick, that big in our league.”

Of Harding’s seven wins, Arnold said this was the second time his team had to rally in the second half.

“St. Ignatius came back on us,” Arnold said. “It’s good that we’re able to win games down the stretch. I don’t look losing a lead, but if you lose it and can still come away with the victory, it’s shows your character.”

Because of the long break, Arnold said his staff used a full-out scrimmage plus swimming to break the monotony.

“It’s hard if you don’t play for two weeks,” Arnold said. “To say the least, I was worried.”

williams@vindy.com