Fulton and Austin East have battled on the hardwood all season long. The AA powers have met four times this season and are hoping for an unprecedented fifth encounter in the 'boro.
Austin East 48
Pigeon Forge 35
The Roadrunners ran out to a huge 14-0 lead to start the game and had to overcome a stubborn and determined Pigeon Forge group but in the end posted the 48-35 victory. Sophomore Chance "Little Twin" Jones led the very balanced scoring attack with 11, junior Darrell Flourence added 10. Pigeon Forge finished the season with 30 wins and had a remarkable season overall, they were led in scoring by senior guard Michael Schlief with 12. With the victory A.E. moves to state to tangle with Giles County in a Thursday morning showdown.
Fulton 52
Unicoi County 39
Size isn't everything, when defensive pressure rears it's ugly head. Fulton caused a turnover storm and got by a huge Unicoi frontline to post a 52-39 decision. Junior post Will Bryant, although undersized in this contest, posted 13 for the Falcons, his classmate Dominique Minor added 12. Sophomore sensation James Gallman tallied 10 points for Fulton and came up with 5 steals as well. Ikey Weaver led Unicoi with 15 points. For their efforts Fulton gets a Wednesday night showdown with the defending champions..Liberty Tech.
White House 53
East Ridge 46
Taking their magic on the road, White House needed overtime but got the huge victory over East Ridge 53-46. Big Rogers Gaines was nimble on his feet in victory netting 17 points and using his bulk to make life miserable for East Ridge junior Phillip Jurrick. Jurrick, who finished with 13 points, was the star attraction with coaches from all over the SEC in attendance for his contest. White House, who ran roughshod over the competition during the season, made the most of their travel plans getting 11 points from Tyler Welch and a solid all around game from junior Jeremy Barnes to compliment big Gaines. White House will play the final contest on Wednesday night against surging Dyer County.
Giles County 76
Bolivar Central 68
Youth finally gave way to experience as Giles County upheld their homecourt and slipped by a very good Bolivar Central group 76-68. Creshaun Holt led Giles with 23 points and came up with some huge buckets at dificult times for Coach Billy Holt's crew. Junior Jeremy Rhodes came to play for Bolivar finishing with 27, his classmate Monterrio Crisp added 19 in defeat. The victory moves Giles County into a Thursday afternoon clash with Austin East.
Howard 65
Station Camp 45
The Hustlin' Tigers took their show on the road and came away with a 65-45 swatting of Station Camp. Darrius Ricks and Steven Satterfield led the onslaught scoring 17 and 16 points respectively. The Camp got 18 from big man Drew McDonald and 14 from Jeff Terrell. With the victory Howard moves to a Thursday afternoon clash with last year's runner-up Mitchell.
Liberty Tech 88
Pearl Cohn 63
Just another yeoman like effort for the Crusaders of Liberty. Antwan Long, he of big heart and small stature, moved mountains scoring 31 points and helping Liberty advance to a Wednesday evening clash with Knoxville Fulton. "Big Boi" was assisted in the scoring column by Josh Sain with 19 and his twin brother Jewon with 13. Pearl Cohn got 14 from Dee Mason and 13 from William Carter to lead their cause.
Mitchell 86
Crockett County 71
Ken Torry continued his hot play scoring 24 points and helping Mitchell advance to the state tourney when no one thought they had a prayer. Last year's runner up squad lost three DI players including Thaddeus Young and seemed primed for a rebuilding year. The Mitchell kids had a different agenda. Jarvis Jones complemented Torry with 19 points of his own and freshman future star Mardrakus Wade added 17. Crockett was led by one half of their Brothers Johnson connection LeRon with 18. With the win Mitchell advances to a Thursday night showdown with Howard. The sparks should fly in this race to the finish.
Dyer County 63
BTW 61
C.J. Crittendon scored a layup at the buzzer to give Dyer County the vicotry and propel them into the state tourney. A huge Choctaw scoring spree in the final minutes of the game culminating with Crittendon's shot gave them the triumph. Rising junior Justin Blake scored 19 for the Choctaws. He was assisted in the scoring column by DeJuan Taylor who added 16. BTW got 19 from Aubrey Phillips in defeat. The win gives Dyer County a Wednesday night clash with White House.
Can Liberty defend the title..that's why they play the game. See you in the 'boro.