Not ready for it to end

Updated: March 23, 2011 3:46PM

Michigan State-bound Branden Dawson knows that every game from this point on is a must-win or his next contest will be the McDonald's All-American game at the United Center.

With this looming in the back of his head, the 6-6 forward from Lew Wallace put together one his best efforts of the season during the Hornets' 84-63 Class 3A Clark Sectional semifinal dismantling of Northwestern Conference rival Roosevelt.

The host Pioneers knocked off Gavit 66-48 in the other semifinal, but it was Dawson that left gym buzzing with adults and kids alike clamoring for his autograph after his effort of 23 points, 18 rebounds, nine blocks, six assists and five steals.

"He is the best player in the state and one of the best in the country, but he can't get credit for that," said Hornets coach Renaldo Thomas. "Our kids are battle tested and I sacrificed a 19-0 season to put together tough schedule that included state champions from across the country."

The Hornets took a 25-21 lead after one quarter and in the second Dawson took over to help extend the lead to 15 at halftime as he scored 14 of his game-high 23 points during that eight minute span.

Dawson was equally stellar in the last matchup against the Panthers, scoring 36. Panthers guard Michael Jenkins was up for the challenge pouring in 34 points in that previous matchup, but was held to just six first-half points on 2-for-7 shooting on Friday night.

"We have been here before, me and Aaron Abram, the seniors we know what to expect," Dawson said while kids gathered outside the locker room for his autograph. "We did a lot of film on (Jenkins) and we were ready for everything tonight."

Abram and Martel Clark both chipped in with 19 and 15 points respectively for the Hornets, while Derrick Payton led Roosevelt with 21 points and four steals; Sharmayne Darden added 12 points for the Panthers.

Mario Herron carried the Pioneers to their win with a game-high 21 points, five assists and four rebounds and Devin Ellis finished with 16 points. Ricardo Rivas led the Gladiators with 10 points.

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