Turnovers Doom Patriots, 57-44

JCHS Patriots vs Dobyns Bennett
– Staff Photo by Mike Stanley, Jefferson County Post Sports

In a battle of two first place teams, and arguably the two hottest teams in the state, Jefferson County fell to Kingsport Dobyns-Bennett 57-44. The Patriots came in on a 12 game winning streak, while the Indians came in to the contest winners of 10 in a row. It was a highly contested ball game throughout with turnovers being ultimately the difference. Jefferson County committed 18 turnovers, to only 6 committed by the Indians.

The first quarter had a fast and furious pace, with both teams moving the ball up and down the court. The Patriots would lead after one, 17-14. Dobyns-Bennett started the second quarter on a 13-4 run, however the Patriots would respond with a 6-0 run of their own to tie it at 27-27. A late three pointer by Dobyns-Bennett would give the Indians a 30-27 lead at the half. The Indians would come out in the third on a 10-0 run and outscore the Patriots 13-4 in the quarter. The Patriot deficit was 12 heading into the fourth quarter, 43-31. Jefferson County would start the fourth quarter on a 5-0 run to cut the lead to 43-36 with six minutes remaining. That was as close as they would be able to get however, and the Indians won 57-44.

“ Dobyns-Bennett is playing well, they have a very good basketball team.” Poore said. He also explained, “Anytime you play as a favorite, and a team is clicking (like Dobyns-Bennett) its going to be tough.” When asked what his team learned from this experience, Poore said “We just got to come out with some energy, we have to play and want it a little bit more, even with these games on the road we got to come out with that fire.”

The Patriots were lead in scoring by their dominant big men inside once again, with John Bryant and Brice Cusick scoring 17 and 16. Noah Carter and Kyle Briggs had 5 and 4, while Danny Bates added 2. With the loss, The Patriots fall to 24-4 on the season, but remain a perfect 13-0 in district play.