Josey tops Laney in overtime at Paine College

Javen Whitehead (left) and Dominique Hurst (right).

Dominique Hurst blocked Donald Henley's shot to force overtime, and he scored the first two field goals of the extra period to propel Josey to a 45-40 region win Saturday at Paine College. Hurst and teammate Javen Whitehead showed how a game can be dominated on the defensive end, blocking countless shots as the Eagles held their rival to 2 points in the extra period and only 5 points in the third quarter, when Josey built a 33-24 lead.





Laney closed the game on an 11-2 run to force the extra session, but the Wildcats never found an offensive rhythm. No Laney player reached double figures in scoring. Whitehead and Jonathan Butler led Josey with 12 each. Hurst added 8.

Javen Whitehead prepares to swing at PJ Walker's layup attempt Saturday.

Josey improved to 4-3 in region play, and the win keeps the Eagles within two games of league leader Butler (6-1). Between those teams are Laney (5-2), Glenn Hills (5-2), and Westside (4-3). Class AA, region 4 has at times featured five teams in the state's top 10 rankings. At the halfway point of the league schedule, the race is still wide open. And Tuesday's slate of games will be important because Butler will host Glenn Hills and Westside will host Laney. Josey will face Harlem.