Patriots Win and Advance, 59-49

Patriots Win and Advance, 59-49
Staff Photo by Mike Stanley, Jefferson County Post Sports

Jefferson County advances to the district 2 class 3A tournament championship, after defeating the Morristown West Trojans for the third time this season, 59-49. Jefferson County used an efficient offense (46.3%) and a balanced defense to advance.

The first quarter saw a very determined and physical West team come out ready to play taking an early lead. The Patriots would respond however, and take a 17-10 lead in to the second quarter. Much of the same would come in the second quarter, very fast and physical play, but the Patriots would lead 31-25 at the half. Jefferson County would open the third quarter on an 8-2 run and outscore the Trojans 15-6 in the quarter to take a commanding 46-31 lead into the fourth. Morristown West would go down swinging in the fourth showing grit and determination, it was not enough however, and Jefferson County would win, 59-49.

“Their a physical team, they can present some problems.” Poore said. “ We did a good enough job to get the job done.” He also credited Morristown West with the getting his defense out of position early in the game. Jefferson County will square off against Sevier County in the tournament championship. Coach Poore was asked how they will prepare for the team that had given them their toughest bout in conference play to date, he explained “We want to play better on the defensive end. Sevier County is a good basketball team.” He also said “They’ll be ready, Coach Wright will prep them, they have won championship’s before so they know how to do it.”

Jefferson County was lead in scoring by junior John Bryant with 20 points, followed by fellow junior, Kyle Briggs with 15. Bryce Cusick added 8, while Noah Carter and Danny Bates each had 7. Malik Styles finished the scoring with 2 points.

Jefferson County improved to 26-4 on the season, and will play Sevier County in the district championship game Tuesday night.

***In other action Saturday afternoon, the Jefferson County Lady Patriots defeated Morristown East, 62-44. With the win they too will play in the tournament championship game against Morristown West . The Lady Patriots were 0-2 against Morristown West this regular season, but were also 0-2 against the Lady Hurricanes.