Smith pours in 52, breaks Chestatee scoring record in win over Johnson

OAKWOOD -- Chestatee coach Russ Triaga admits there are few things that leave him speechless.

But after watching Parker Smith pour in a career-high and school-record 52 points Friday night in a 89-76 win over Johnson, Triaga had trouble finding words to describe his senior leader.

"What can you say. He's a tremendous player. He's the best high school player I've ever coached and it's just a joy to watch him play," Triaga said.

The 52 points pushed Smith past former teammate Jesus Cantu atop the the all-time Chestatee scoring list with 1,448 points. Cantu finished his four years at Chestatee with 1,428 points.

Smith had 26 at halftime on a variety of shots and sparked a 14-6 run in the second quarter to give the War Eagles (7-2) the lead for good. He finished the game 15-of-17 from the field and hit 17-of-18 free throws for the game.

The win was the third straight for the War Eagles as they prepare to head to Daytona Beach, Fla., to take part in a regional tournament. It was the second straight loss for Johnson (6-4) in as many nights.

"We didn't get as much help for Parker and Branden [Jovaag] as we need and defensively we need to be better. Johnson is a good team and when you get ahead you have to play good defense because they just keep coming at you," Triaga said. "No lead is safe against them."

Chestatee never trailed again after grabbing the lead in the second quarter. Johnson got as close as six points twice in the fourth quarter but could get no closer.

Jovaag added 23 points for Chestatee but no other War Eagle had more than five points.

Johnson was led by Brandon Sloan's 26 points, including four 3-pointers. Beau Robson added 13, Jim Orr 11, and Colby Horne 10 for the Knights.

The teams traded the lead seven times in the first half. Smith got the first basket for Chestatee and then Johnson answered with a 7-0 run. The War Eagles responded with a 9-0 run for a 14-10 lead.

The Knights answered that with a 12-4 spurt for a 22-18 lead but Chestatee closed out the first quarter with a 6-0 run and a 24-23 lead. Johnson lead 29-28 when Chestatee grabbed the lead for good with a 14-6 run and a 42-35 lead.

The War Eagles led 47-44 at halftime after Johnson closed with a 5-0 run. Chestatee opened the second half with a 5-0 run to take control of the game.