(Thomas Latham has been a double-double machine for New Haven)

 

Carroll (8-1) is one of the surprises around the state behind Jalen Jackson. The junior guard entered the game averaging over 20 points per contest. New Haven (6-4) was looking for its first signature win of the season. The Bulldogs are led by St. Francis-bound forward Thomas Latham.

 

Latham and Jakar Williams led New Haven to a quick 9-5 start. Williams is a big point-forward that uses his body to create space. Early in the game, he posted-up, moved the ball from the top of the key, and rebounded.

 

With New Haven playing a 1-3-1 defense, Carroll regularly found open three-pointers. Ryan Preston, Cody Burkey, and Zach Castator all made outside shots in the first quarter. Behind that shooting, Carroll grabbed the lead with a 10-0 run.

 

After getting down 18-10, New Haven found its outside shooting stroke in the second quarter. First, sophomore Darrion Brooks buried a triple from the right wing then Jackson Turnwald hit back-to-back deep threes to cut Carroll’s lead to 20-19. Late in the period, Brooks hit another three for New Haven. He scored eight points in the quarter.

 

In the first half, Jackson was mostly a rebounder and distributor for Carroll. He was working the middle of New Haven’s zone defense but a couple of easy looks did not fall. He had two points in the first half. Jackson started to be more aggressive in the third period. He was getting to the basket and drawing fouls. Jackson scored eight points in the frame.

 

Down one going to the fourth, Latham put New Haven on the right track with his rebounding and a couple of free throws. He gave New Haven its first lead since the first quarter. After Cody Burkey’s three gave Carroll the 45-44 advantage, Turnwald answered with a triple of his own. Turnwald was four of four from deep in the game.

 

With the game on the line, Williams and Latham scored 13 of New Haven’s 18 fourth-quarter points. The pair was dominant around the basket and rebounded at a high level. The biggest play of the game was a turnover by Jackson that led to a Williams and-one. Brooks dove to tip the ball ahead to Williams then the junior converted in transition plus the foul. That stretched New Haven’s lead to six points with 1:32 to play.

 

New Haven made enough free throws to win 59-51. Latham finished with 15 points and 12 rebounds, while Brooks and Turnwald each had 12 points. Williams tallied 10 points, five assists, and three rebounds. DeAndre Wright recorded eight points six rebounds in the win.

 

Burkey’s 12 points led Carroll in the loss. Jackson finished with 10 points, nine rebounds, six assists, but had five turnovers as well. Castator had 11 points; Ryan Preston recorded seven points, six rebounds, and three assists. Sam Strycker added nine points.