The Morrison Eagles took off to a 12-5 first-quarter lead Thursday afternoon as they played host to Centertown’s Warriors in 7-8 grade season action.
You can’t count the Warriors out however after a second-quarter rally made it a one-bucket game at the break, 21-19. But the Eagles hung on for a close 46-40 victory.
After the strong start, the Eagles began to have trouble in the paint missing the inside shot, then the second off the rebound as they held the height advantage over Centertown. The Warriors took advantage of the inside difficulties by hustling down court when they recovered the rock for quick layups by Wyatt Wilson and Weston Wilson, which they did several times. The high conversion rate helped Centertown stay close.
Wyatt Wilson was the Warriors top offensive weapon, scoring a game-high 25 points, making the Eagles earn a win.
“We have a young team,” said Centertown coach Isaac Slatton. “We’re working hard to come together as a group.”
With Centertown hot on Morrison’s heels, the Warriors moved to within one basket, 42-40, with 16 ticks left on the clock after Wyatt Wilson made two from the charity stripe putting the Warriors into position to tie it up or win with an outside shot.
Unfortunately for Centertown, Morrison would never give up any more points as Eagle Kason Holder was fouled in the melee which followed. Holder hit both shots with five seconds left.
The only play the Warriors had left was an intentional foul, but it was Holder again and he made both foul-line attempts to lay the game to rest.
“It was a very exciting day game for all the students to enjoy,” said Morrison coach Kyle Cannon. “It is the only time most of our students get to see a game. Centertown had a good game plan and kept the game close. It is early in our season, but we have to play better defense. We hit some big foul shots down the stretch and our loud student body helped us pull out the win.”
Kason Holder was second in total points at 16 for the Eagles to Rylan Holder who scored 22 game points. Will Hyder scored 4 points, Dominique Betancourt 3 and Parker Yates was good for 1 point.
Rounding out the Warrior tally was Westen Wilson with 9 points, Dominic Hodges 3, Jarred Scruggs 2 and T.J. Howard hit for 1 point.
Games don’t begin again until Dec. 28 with the Upperman Middle School invitational.