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Of all the games South Medford’s boys basketball team possibly could lose, Tuesday’s matchup with Grants Pass simply wasn’t going to go down like that. Closing out the final regular season home game for their departing head coach and with revenge already on their minds, the second-ranked Panthers weren’t about to exit the South Medford High gym on anything other than a high note Tuesday. The Panthers made sure of that by building a 9-0 lead to start the game and a 26-point advantage in the third quarter before coasting to a 62-45 triumph over the Cavemen in a night that also included a post-game ceremony to honor head coach Dennis Murphy, who is retiring after 28 years at the helm. South Medford (23-2, 13-1 Southwest Conference) had already clinched its 13th conference title in 15 years entering the game, and 18th overall under Murphy’s guidance. “It was really important for us to come back and play against GP after they beat us the first time,” said South Medford senior guard Eskari Carter, alluding to a 55-49 road loss on Feb. 2. “It was a real good win to prove ourselves, and it was also just great to get that final win for Murph in the regular season and just go off with a bang really playing for him.” Carter was one of three Panthers to reach double figures in scoring, tying senior Josh Washington for game-high honors with 13 points apiece. Washington also pulled down nine rebounds with two blocks, while Conor Carroll added 12 points and fellow senior Hunter Bradford had eight points, eight rebounds and three blocks. Carter scored six points in the first and second quarters, including a tomahawk dunk, to get South Medford off to a hot start against the visiting Cavemen (8-15, 4-10). “We came out with more fire and started off the game real strong by pushing the ball and attacking,” said the 6-foot-2 Carter. “Last time (against GP) we really didn’t come out to play and this game we really were focused and came out to play how we know how to play.” Andru Valadez scored 11 of the 20 first-half points for Grants Pass but was held scoreless in the second half. Overall, the Cavemen were limited to 17-for-43 shooting (40 percent), with seven of those field goals coming in the fourth quarter. “They just came out and jumped on us early,” said Grants Pass head coach Jeff Huston. “We tried to weather the storm but in the first four minutes of the first quarter and first four minutes of the third quarter they just really hammered on us and they brought a lot of energy. Obviously they’ve got a lot of talent and they’re a tough, well-coached team … Murph always gets them prepared this time of year.” “I felt like our guys battled and we just didn’t quite have enough gas in the tank,” added Huston, whose team will not advance to the state playoffs. “Give South a lot of credit, they’re a really good team.” The Panthers were a crisp 22-for-40 from the field through three quarters for a 52-28 edge before letting up a little with reserves in over the final five minutes. “I think we’re in a good spot as we go into the playoffs and now we get to regroup and start a whole new season,” said Murphy, whose team has won six straight games and will take the No. 3 seed — as of press time — into the state playoffs. “We talked about using this as a springboard to go into the playoffs and I thought we played well tonight for the most part.” Murphy was also touched by a post-game celebration that included a presentation by South Medford High Principal Damian Crowson and his players of two framed Panthers jerseys to acknowledge his coaching efforts. “I can’t thank everyone enough that made this happen,” said Murphy. “The people of Medford are second to none and they’ve always made my coaching experience here special. Having been here 29 of the 30 years we’ve been a high school, it’s a special place and a special community and I’m just proud to be part of it.” GRANTS PASS (45): Valadez 11, Rund 8, Reed 7, Zozaya 6, Wallace 4, Phillips 4, Appling 2, Crume 2, Hoy 1, Musser 0, Dowd 0, Bransfield 0, Flaming 0. Totals: 17-43 6-9 45. SOUTH MEDFORD (62): Carter 13, Washington 13, Carroll 12, Bradford 8, Franklin 6, Martin 5, Benford 3, Cota 2, Metcalf 0, Bock 0, Schuster 0. Totals: 25-52 8-14 62. Grants Pass;10;10;8;17;—;45 South Medford;21;12;19;10;—;62 3-point goals — Grants Pass 5-14 (Valadez 3, Reed 1, Zozaya 1), South Medford 4-18 (Carroll 2, Carter 1, Benford 1). JV score — South Medford 57, Grants Pass 38. Reach reporter Kris Henry at 541-776-4488, [email protected], www.facebook.com/krishenryMT or www.twitter.com/Kris_Henry