The fourth matchup of the 2023 LaRosa's Holiday Hardwood Classic featured a CMAC battle between the Taft Senators and the Withrow Tigers.
Withrow's Chris Henry Jr. found Demarcus Henry for a three-pointer representing the first points of the game. Demarcus added another lay-in thereafter before Quannie Bostic scored the first Taft points on a two-point jumper. The two teams traded blows, including a thunderous dunk by Chris Henry Jr., leading to a 18-12 Withrow lead after the end of the first quarter.
A three-point-play by Taft's Jordyn Buchanan opened the second quarter, but back-to-back threes by Demarcus Henry pushed the Withrow lead to double digits. Taft went on a 9-0 run thereafter, but Withrow closed the half strong to take a 34-27 advantage into the locker room.
Taft began the second half on a quick 7-0 run to tie up the score, before the two teams traded buckets in a fast-paced frame. Ultimately, Withrow held on to a 46-45 lead heading into the fourth quarter.
The fourth quarter featured more swinging leads and pace from both sides, with Taft holding a 57-54 advantage with 2:30 left in the game. A Chris Henry Jr. scoop layup knotted the score at 58-57 with 1:30 remaining, but Taft won the free-throw battle down the stretch to secure a thrilling 65-62 victory.
With the win, Taft improves to 4-5 while Withrow falls to 1-6.
Taft's Jordyn Buchanan was named the LaRosa's Game MVP.