EVANS -- A first-rate effort by its second teamers powered South Effingham past Augusta Prep in the Monterrey Christmas Classic on Saturday.

The Mustangs (3-10) were more effective on offense with the reserves in the game. They patiently passed the ball and took higher-percentage shots, resulting in a scoring spurt that propelled them to a 52-47 victory at Evans High School.

The substitutes ignited an 11-1 rally to start the second period, turning a 16-11 deficit into a  22-18 lead with 1:06 left before halftime.

The Cavaliers (3-7) closed the gap to 22-21 less than a minute later, but Wesley Ambrone converted three free throws after getting fouled with 16 seconds to go. The charity shots fluffed the Mustangs' cushion to 25-21 and they were never headed. They led by 11 points multiple times in the third quarter.

Ambrose, a 5-foot-7 senior guard, was named to the all-tournament team. He tallied seven of his nine points during the key 11-1 binge.

See the Jan. 3, 2018, edition of the Effingham Herald for more details.