Successful Season Ends in State Quarterfinals

JCHS vs Oak Ridge in State Quarterfinals
Staff Photo by Mike Stanley, Jefferson County Post Sports

The most successful season in Jefferson County history came to an end Wednesday afternoon as the Patriots fell to Oak Ridge in the quarterfinals of the TSSAA state tournament, 66-45. Jefferson County head coach said “They were the better team, they beat us.” He added “There have not been many times I’ve been able to say that this year.” Evident by their 30 wins this year.

The Patriots showed signs of a team that may have been a little “star struck” at the beginning of the game. Jefferson County got down early 9-2 but fought back to cut it to 16-10 at the end of the first quarter, Poore stated “…we settled for some shots (in the 1st quarter) that just weren’t very good. The Patriots would go ice cold in the second quarter and ultimately would be the difference in the ball game. Jefferson County did not make a bucket from the field in the second quarter. They did score eight points from the free throw line to stay within striking distance at the half, 32-18. Jefferson County would be able to manage ten points in the third, however Oak Ridge would score sixteen and lead 46-28 heading into the fourth. The Patriots would not go down without a fight. Oak Ridge would push their lead to as many as twenty, but Jefferson County started fighting back and close it to 58-45 with 1:33 remaining. Oak Ridge would finish the game on an 8-0 run and close out the Patriots, 66-45.

“I’m proud of them, I’m certainly proud of them” JCHS Head Coach Chris Poore said about his team’s season. “They played tough, they battled, and I’m just proud to be their coach.” About what this season means for the future of the Jefferson County program “For the entire program, its huge. Makes Jefferson County known at a little bit greater fan base.”

Jefferson County was led by two double-double’s, with senior Brice Cusick and junior Kyle Briggs each having 14 points and 10 rebounds. Fellow big man and junior John Bryant scored 12 points. Jefferson County finishes the season 30-6. The Jefferson County Post would like to congratulate both Jefferson County basketball teams on their TREMENDOUS seasons!