Carter, Pace defeat Manchester 65-43

MACON, Ga. -- Centers standing 6-foot-10 aren't generally looked upon as great jump shooters.

Don't tell that to Wendell Carter Jr.

The All-American junior from Pace Academy (21-10) took 14 shots from the floor, making 13 of them, including a perfect 3-of-3 from the 3-point line in a 65-43 victory over Manchester (25-6) in the GHSA Class 2A state championship game on Friday at the Macon Coliseum.

He also made a physical Manchester defense pay for its over-aggressiveness by knocking down 7-of-10 free throw attempts.

Despite Carter's performance and a quick 12-0 run to start the game, Manchester hung around, trailing by just 13 at the end of the third quarter.

Forced to attempt shots from long range and not just trade buckets, a cold shooting Blue Devil team finished just 2-of-19 from 3-point range as the Knights pulled away.

Key performers

Wendell Carter Jr: To go along with his memorable night shooting the basketball to the tune of 30 points, the Team USA member also added 20 rebounds, three blocks, and a steal.

Barrett Baker: The smallest player on the floor knocked down a pair of 3-point shots to begin the game and killed a run of Manchester momentum late in the fourth quarter with another crucial 3-pointer that gave Pace an insurmountable 14-point lead.

Demarcus Addie: Manchester's leading scorer had 13-points in the first half, but just one more after the break after picking up his fourth foul with 3:25 left in the third quarter.

This story was originally published March 4, 2016 at 9:26 PM with the headline "Carter, Pace defeat Manchester 65-43 ."