(Photo: Regina Bell, Patterson Press)

Reprinted with permission from http://pattersonbasketball.com/

Patterson never trailed as it remained undefeated with a 55-46 win over Lake Clifton.

Behind strong efforts from its senior backcourt of Gary Blackston and Dereck Oliver, the Clippers (4-0) never let their lead go under four points after the first quarter.

Gary Blackston had Patterson’s first double-double this season with 22 points and 16 rebounds.

Blackston finished with game highs in points (22) and rebounds (16), notching the first double-double for Patterson this season. Oliver had 13 points and four assists, as he and Blackston made sure Patterson never seized control.

The Clippers led by as many as 15 points in the first half and went into the break up 32-19. Lake Clifton cut the lead to 42-38 in the fourth quarter, but Patterson went on a 6-0 run to seal the game.

Sophomore Christion Adams had a strong game, finishing with seven points and nine rebounds. Senior Demetrich Williams had six points, four rebounds and two blocks. Senior Tyquan Pointer had seven points.

Patterson also got solid efforts from sophomore Earl Ross (three rebounds, three blocks), sophomore Koran Moore and junior Richard Hibbert.

The Clippers out-rebounded Lake Clifton 41-26 and held it to 13 of 49 (26.5 percent) from the floor.

Patterson is back in action on Monday when it hosts Milford Mill. J.V. tips at 3:45 p.m. and varsity at 5:15 p.m.