Patriots Advance in District 2AAA Tournament After Overcoming South Doyle Cherokees, 61-53

Staff Photo by Angie Stanley

Staff Photo by Angie Stanley

The Jefferson County Patriots hosted the South Doyle Cherokees for Valentines Day. Love was not in the air, as both teams aimed to advance in the District 2AAA Tournament.

The evening was off to a slow start, as South Doyle pulled ahead slightly in the beginning minutes of the game. Jefferson County was quick to answer with baskets of their own, and once the first quarter was over the game was tied up 11-11. The tug-o-war continued throughout the rest of the half, and the battle steadily got more intense. Defenses were strong on both sides of the ball, and each team fouled the other six times each. The tie up continued until just before halftime, when Darius Allen grabbed a basket from beyond the three. The Jefferson County Patriots pulled ahead to end the half 26-23.

Staff Photo by Angie Stanley

Staff Photo by Angie Stanley

As the second half opened, Jefferson County closed the holes in their defense. Unable to hit paydirt, the South Doyle Cherokees almost got shut out during the third. The Patriots limited the Cherokees to only two points, which were obtained at the freethrow line. Jefferson County pulled ahead to end out the third 38-25. The Cherokees tried to stage a comeback during the fourth quarter, but the third quarter rally by the Patriots proved to be too much. The Patriots were even outscored 23-26 thanks to the fouls in the final minutes of the game. Able to hold on to the lead, the boys of Jefferson County advance in the tournament, 61-53.

Nathan Seal, a crucial part of the third quarter rally, lead the scoring with a total of 18 points. Not far behind Seal was Darius Allen, with 16, Caman Cody with 11, and Cameron Gregg with 10.

Throughout the rest of the district, Cocke County defeated Cherokee 48-38, Seymour fell to Morristown East 79-64, and Sevier County rose above Morristown West 49-36.

The Patriots will travel to Morristown East on Thursday to face off against the Hurricanes. The last time the two faced off, Morristown east came to Dumplin Valley and defeated the Patiots 67-73. Tipoff is scheduled for 7 p.m.

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Source: Angie Stanley, Jefferson County Post Sports