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Published: Wednesday, Jan. 30, 2013 / Updated: Wednesday, Jan. 30, 2013 03:39 PM

Bearcats pounce on Cougars, hold on for win

With a showdown for first place in Region 3-AAAA looming Friday night at South Pointe, there was the potential for Rock Hill to get caught looking ahead Tuesday night at York. But coach Eric Rollings and his squad would have none of it during a 55-44 victory over the Cougars.

“Our guys have done a great job of focusing one at a time,” said Rollings, whose team jumped out to a 17-6 lead early. “All we’re worried about is the game that is now. I think we’ve done a good job and now it’s time to look forward to that game on Friday.”

A 7-0 run just over halfway through the pivotal period pushed the Rock Hill lead to 25-9. Senior guard Tre Thompson had back-to-back fastbreak layups to finish the spurt.

“Tre came in and gave us that little spurt in the second quarter to get us out on that big run,” Rollings said.

Senior guard Nate Motley had the final five points of the half, punctuating it with a crossover dribble and a 3-pointer at the buzzer for a 30-12 halftime edge. Motley led the Bearcats with 15 points, including seven in the second period. Senior forward Deonte Fleming had all seven of his points in the third quarter.

York made a frantic push in the final frame with a 13-1 run to cut their deficit to 53-42 with 2:30 remaining after trailing by 19 to begin the fourth. Rock Hill was able to run out the clock from there and York coach Larry Dixon chose not to foul. Deshaw Andrews had six of his 14 points in the period and Matt Ransom scored four. Daurice Simpson led the Cougars with 15.

The Bearcats jumped out to a 9-2 lead in the first that forced Dixon to call timeout with 3:39 left. They led 13-6 after one.

Rock Hill 55, York 44