Young's Pearson steps up to down Lew Wallace

Updated: March 22, 2011 4:56PM

GARY -- As the season began Young's one weakness seemed to be in the

backcourt. Only junior Derrick Randolph was a proven talent.

So imagine how things looked with Randolph in street clothes just

before tip off at the Genesis Convention Center in Gary.

According to Young coach Tyrone Slaughter, Randolph is "on hiatus."

Randolph is believed to be academically ineligible, but Slaughter

would not confirm that, saying that "It's a school matter and we'd

prefer not to talk about it."

Whatever the reason, with Randolph out, the point guard duties fell to

senior Kwai Pearson–a role player last year.

Pearson stepped up to the challenge. He kept his composure and helped

Young knock off Gary Lew Wallace 53-38.

"Anyone that's human is going to get nervous walking out to play in

front of all those people," Pearson said. "But once the game started I

was fine."

Young senior Sam Thompson, an Ohio State recruit, used his 6-7 frame

and athleticism to frustrate Lew Wallace's star Brandon Dawson early

and often. Dawson, a Michigan State recruit, managed only two field

goals in the first half. He scored 17 in the game, nine of those came

from the free throw line. He shot 4 of 14 from the field.

"[Thompson] did a tremendous job," Slaughter said. "He pretty much

carried the load on Dawson, but we had some other people helping out."

Senior Luke Hager led the Dolphins with 12 points. Thompson finished

with 11 points, eight rebounds and two blocks. Pearson and Tommy

Hamilton Jr. each added seven points.

"I'd give us a B minus for the first game," Slaughter said. "The key

was the defensive job on Dawson, he's a great player."

The game was sloppy, with Young committing 22 turnovers and the

Hornets (1-1) committing 23.

Lew Wallace's press frustrated the Dolphins in the second half, but it

was too little too late after Young built a 39-15 lead.

"I've been waiting four years for this opportunity and I'm ready,"

Pearson said. "Last year everyone said we had too many guards, this

year people think we don't have enough. That doesn't really matter."

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