Jaylon Hicks lifts Carver boys past Peabody with game-winning layup in Division II select semifinals

By LaMar Gafford

Photo of George Washington Carver senior Jaylon Hicks, left, attempting to block Peabody sophomore Rashad Mitchell's shot 

LAKE CHARLES, La. – Jaylon Hicks has waited patiently for his time during his four years at George Washington Carver.

Now, he is making the most of it.

Serving as the Rams’ leading scorer this season, Hicks made a go-ahead layup with 11.2 seconds to help give them a 46-44 win against Peabody in the Division II select semifinals Thursday at Burton Coliseum. With the win, Carver will face Madison Prep in the championship game Saturday.

“I feel like I’m the man, so I wanted the ball,” Hicks said. “I’ve been on this team for four years. I’ve faced everything and played different roles.

"This year, I’ve had to take on a different role. My game showed up when I needed it.”

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Hicks finished with 16 points and seven rebounds as he did most of his damage in the fourth quarter - going 4-for-5 from the field and scoring nine points.

Carver (23-10) struggled in the first quarter by only making two of its first 12 shots, but found its groove in the fourth quarter by shooting 6-for-11.

“We believe in each other and we lift each other up,” Rams coach Nathaniel Roche said. “We had a kid - David Williams - that came off the bench and didn’t play that much, but he hit a big shot to put us down one.

"Jaylon and Daijon (Leatherman) carried and led us and we all believe in each other. We keep working and we don’t want to give up.”

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Even with the Rams’ late shooting touch, Peabody (25-7) still had a chance to secure a win, trailing 45-44.

The Warhorses appeared on their way towards doing that after junior Jordan Matthews drew a foul with 2.6 seconds left, but he was shaken up on the play and suffered a possible mild concussion.

With Matthews unable to shoot the free throws, senior Matthew Snowden was tasked to take his place, but he wasn't able to hit both as Carver preserved its lead and made one of two of its own with 0.2 seconds left.

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“That’s a tough deal coming off the bench cold trying to make free throws,” Peabody coach Charles Smith said. “But the young man gave it his best effort.

"Like I told the guys in the locker room, we’re not blaming it on one player. Winning or losing is a team effort, so we all have to pitch in and do our part.”

Matthews finished with eight points, 11 rebounds and three blocks, while sophomore Rashad Mitchell had 12 points on 4-for-17 shooting.

Leatherman had a double-double of 14 points and 14 rebounds for Carver.