Patriots Fall In Regional Final 63-52
Jefferson County vs. Dobyns-Bennett in TSSAA Regional Tournament
Staff Photo by Mike Stanley, Jefferson County Post Sports
Jefferson County vs. Dobyns-Bennett in TSSAA Regional Tournament
Staff Photo by Mike Stanley, Jefferson County Post Sports
Jefferson County vs. Dobyns-Bennett in TSSAA Regional Tournament
Staff Photo by Mike Stanley, Jefferson County Post Sports
Jefferson County fell to Dobyns-Bennett Thursday night, for the second time in three weeks. The Indians used their speed and size to subdue the Patriots in the Region 1-3A Championship game. Despite the loss, the Patriots still advance to the school’s second ever appearance in the state sectional game (sub-state) and will travel to Powell on Monday night, after Powell defeated Oak Ridge 72-70 in overtime.
In the first quarter it was apparent that the referees were going to “let ‘em play” as it was very fast and aggressive on both ends of the court. The Patriots would carry a 15-11 lead into the second quarter. Dobyns-Bennett would force some quick turnovers in the second and Jefferson County would trail for the third straight game at the half, 30-27. In the third, there couldn’t have been a more aggressive, high intensity, action filled quarter of basketball. It was apparent that the stakes were high for both teams. Dobyns-Bennett would take the slimmest advantage into the final stanza at 41-40. A trip to the free throw line would tie the ball game with 7:20 to go. Unfortunately for the Patriots that was the last time, as the Indians would close out the Patriots from the free throw line to win, 63-52, and host their state sectional game against Oak Ridge Monday night at 7.
“We obviously wanted to win the game, you have two great basketball teams playing.” Poore said. He also said “ I told the guys at the start of the fourth quarter, it’s the one who makes the least mistakes at the end of the game.” He added “ Unfortunately for us, it was them.” Jefferson County advances to play Powell, Poore said “ Powell is a disciplined team, they run a slower type of game” He added “They’re a very good basketball team.”
Senior Brice Cusick would lead the Patriots in scoring with 12 points. John Bryant and Kyle Briggs each scored 11, with Noah Carter adding 10. Danny Bates and Malik Styles would each score 3, while senior Corey Jenkins ended the scoring with 2 points.
