5A SE BOYS SEMIS: Brewbaker Tech can't stop Dawkins, Carroll-Ozark

Brew Tech’s Xavier Sutton drives past Carroll defenders in the Class 5A Southeast Regional semis on Friday. (Graham Dunn)

By GRAHAM DUNN

It might not have been the end of the season Brewbaker Tech had in mind when it left the floor of Garrett Coliseum on Friday.

The 58-43 loss to Carroll-Ozark left a sting. But it also created an opportunity for coach Kendric Larkin to share with his team.

“We have a lot to build on,” he said. “Everybody counted us out. We started the season 0-6 and went on a run. Some way we pulled it together and they started buying in. They did it at the right time. We made the Sweet 16. We have a lot to be excited about.”

The Rams (16-13) never led in the game although they were able to pressure Carroll into missing six of their its first seven shots.

But once the lane opened, the Eagles went to work with Bryson Dawkins doing most of the damage.

“They wanted to go 1-on-1 with dribble penetration and once they did that, Dawkins went to work,” Larkin said. “They beat us at our own game. They attack the rim and kick it out to an open shooter. They had our number tonight.”

Dawkins led all scorers with 26 points and added 18 rebounds. He also had six blocked shots.

Although listed at 6-foot-3, he played much larger.

“(We) should have put more pressure on the ball in back court,” Larkin said. “We should have jumped into pressure and make them work it all the way up the floor but you live and learn.”

Jaden Stephens was the lone member of the Rams in double figures with 11 points.  He added nine rebounds in a losing effort. Kevin Honer added nine points.

Brew Tech loses five seniors but Larkin is excited about what is returning for next season.

“I like this next group,” he said. “We will find ways to get better. We will get back in the lab and look for improvement.”

Carroll (24-7) will face Charles Henderson in the Class 5A Southeast Regional final on Wednesday at 10:30 a.m.