Bryant Powers Patriots Past Cherokees, 53-46

Patriots vs CherokeesStaff Photo by Mike Stanley, Jefferson County Post Sports

Patriots vs Cherokees
Staff Photo by Mike Stanley, Jefferson County Post Sports

With the score tied at 40 with just over three minutes remaining in the game, senior John Bryant put the team on his back and carried them to a big conference win. A game, in fact, that Jefferson County Head Coach , Chris Poore, had circled on the calendar. “South Doyle has got some weapons” he added “ We knew South Doyle was going to be a tough test.”

Bryant would score nine points in a row and help the Patriots to a 49-40 lead late in the fourth quarter. “ It took us a long while to get the ball to him” Poore added of Bryant, “ But once we did, he came through.”

Jefferson County would close the first quarter on a 6-0 run and lead a low scoring quarter, 8-5. The Patriots were able to extend their lead in the second quarter behind Noah Carter who scored 4 of his 8 points in the quarter and led at halftime, 23-16. The third quarter would see 2 lead changes, but the Pats would still hold a 36-33 advantage heading to the fourth and decisive quarter.

The Cherokees jumped out to 5-0 run in the fourth quarter to take a 38-36 lead, with just over five minutes to play. Jefferson County would answer with a 4-0 run and never trail again. The Patriots went on to outscore the Kees 13-6 in the remaining 3:13 and win the game, 53-46.

Senior John Bryant led the team to victory and led the team in scoring with 23 points. Noah Carter added 8, while Kyle Briggs had 7. Harper Feltner chipped in 6, while Danny Bates added 4.

With the win JCHS improves to 16-5 overall and winners of 15 out of 17. The win also puts them in a share of first place in the conference at 7-1, thanks in part to Morristown East falling to Seymour Tuesday night.

Jefferson County returns home to face a tough Sevier County (12-8, 5-3) team Friday night: the tip will be following the girls matchup.

Source: Mike Stanley, Jefferson County Post Sports