GARNER -- Garner earned the chance it has fought for all year -- a spot in a sectional championship game -- Wednesday night, surviving a strong push from Wakefield for a 76-60 boys basketball 4A playoff victory.
It was Garner's second win over a Cap Eight Conference member in the playoffs. The Trojans (25-2) will look to continue that string Friday night when they host Millbrook.
The Trojans have advanced to the sectional finals in each of the past two seasons, falling both times in unforgettable fashion.
"We talked about it right after the game: we're right back here where we've wanted to be all year," said Garner coach Eddie Gray. "But I told the guys this time it's time to have a different result and not lose this opportunity. We've earned it."
The Trojans jumped out to an 12-0 lead, only to see Wakefield (17-8) pull even at the halftime buzzer on a 3-pointer by Jalin Barnes.
Garner fired back with a 9-0 spurt to end the third quarter and took a 52-45 lead into the final frame.
"The kids came out and competed," said Wakefield coach Dexter Cooley. "We had that bad start in the first half, but I was real pleased with the way we played and our effort. We just gave up that little run at the end of the third quarter and that's what got us."
The Wolverines found a way to hang with the Trojans despite shooting 35 percent from the field on the night and just 22 percent from 3-point range. Wakefield grabbed its last lead on a Ray Hall layup with one minute, 42 seconds to play in the third quarter.
Garner's big run coincided with the offensive resurgence of senior center Dominique Reed. He had 16 of his game-high 18 points in the second half.
"When you're not scoring, you just have to get the other parts of you game going," Reed said. "I was able to get some rebounds, make some plays blocks on defense. You can always find a way to make your other teammates better even when you're not scoring."
Demarcus Sanford's 16 and Larry Richardson's 15 rounded out Garner's trio of scoring leaders, while Barnes led Wakefield with 16. Logan Evans contributed 15 as well for the visitors.
