Patriots Overcome Turnovers to Top Cocke Co.
Staff Photo by Mike Stanley, Jefferson County Post Sports
Most of the season, Jefferson County has been the team that brings the defensive pressure, turns the other team over, and uses that to create scoring opportunities for themselves on the other end. On this night, however, it was JCHS that was turning the ball over, allowing Cocke County to hang around in a contest that saw the Patriots turn the ball over 17 times, while only forcing 7 against Cocke County.
It was evident as the team came out of the locker room that Head Coach Chris Poore was not happy with his team’s effort, and he expressed stating, “I don’t think we were very focused on this game.” He added, “The things that we did well resembled nothing of the basketball team that we have had.” He continued saying, “We were poor on the execution on offense. Not once did we get anything easily.”
With the score 26-23 in the third quarter, Jefferson County used a 15-2 run to spread the game open a little bit, and was able to hold on to that lead, winning 57-42.
With the victory, Jefferson County now clinches its 3rd straight conference championship. However, Poore was not completely pleased. “I would certainly like to be happier tonight.” He added, “I’m certainly pleased, and happy for the guys to accomplish that.”
Jefferson County was led in scoring by senior John Bryant, with 27 points, but Poore says it wasn’t his best performance. “I still think he struggled,” he added. “I didn’t think he had one of his better nights. He struggled to make plays and you usually don’t see that.” He closed saying, “But I guess anytime you are dissatisfied with 27 points, it’s a good thing.”
Jefferson County improves 21-5 and 12-1 in the conference, with Cherokee coming to Dumpling Valley on Tuesday night.
Byrant led the Pats followed by Kyle Briggs with 15. Harper Feltner and Cameron Gregg each had 5 points for the Patriots.
