PARIS, Texas-Clarksville's maturity this season was evident by Saturday's adjustments against a young, but talented Martin's Mill basketball team.
Six-foot-eight Clashon Gaffney rode the bench most of the first half in foul trouble, while the Mustangs slowed down the game with their efficient passing game. Still, the Blue Tigers cruised to a 41-26 victory in their 2A area playoff game at Paris High School.
"I wasn't surprised Martin's Mill slowed the game down because they knew a fast-paced game would be to our advantage," Tiger mentor Willie Coulter said. "I was so proud of our kids because they were able to adjust to the pace and stay patient with some things.
"As long as we were ahead the pressure was on them to come and get us. They weren't scoring often, just using a lot of time. That was digging a hole for them. I wouldn't say I was worried when Gaffney went to the bench so early, but I was concerned. There's always a concern when he's not out there on the floor."
The much smaller Mustangs could not penetrate the paint, and made only 2 of 14 treys, allowing Clarksville (27-6) to take control of the game in the third quarter.
Michael Hawes scored for Martin's Mill with 4:08 left in the third period to pull the Mustangs within three points (20-17). Rayzon Allen answered with back-to-back baskets, and the Tigers pulled away to a 28-19 lead going into the final quarter.
Gaffney, who left the game in the third quarter with blood on his uniform from a cut, returned in the final stanza to score seven of his 11 points. He also contributed seven rebounds, the Tigers dominating the glass, 26-14.
Clarksville's 6-7 Quintin Wallace led all scorers with 14 points and added eight rebounds.
Gaffney missed most of the first half after drawing two quick fouls in the first quarter.
The Tigers led 12-2 when Gaffney made his exit, and Karson Godwin's layup made it 12-4 at the first break.
Gaffney did not return in the second quarter, and after being dominated on the glass in the first eight minutes, the Mustangs outrebounded Clarksville in the second quarter behind freshman guard Garrett Celsur.
Martin's Mill trailed 18-10 when Bryson Waynick swished a trey with 1:17 left before intermission.
Two free throws by Wallace made it 20-13, but Celsur scored the final two points of the half to make it 20-15.
"We had some kids step up tonight; they enjoy playing and work hard, too," Coulter said. "I'm glad I've got those kids on the bench when I need them."
Clarksville will play Big Sandy Tuesday in the Region II quarterfinals at Greenville or Mount Pleasant.
Martin's Mill 4 11 4 7-26
Clarksville 12 8 8 13-41
MM (26): Waynick 1 2-2 5; Godwin 3 0-0 6; Celsur 1 0-0 2; Hawes 3 0-0 7; Ingram 3 0-1 6. TOTALS 11 2-3 26.
C'VILLE (41): Allen 4 1-3 9; Tavie 1 0-2 2; Wallace 6 2-3 14; Daniels 1 0-0 3; Gaffney 5 1-4 11; Taylor 1 0-0 2. TOTALS 18 4-11 41.
3-point goals: MM, Waynick, Hawes. C'VILLE, Daniels. Team Fouls: Martin's Mill 10, Clarksville 12.