Warren County fell to Franklin County by 1 point in a photo-finish in the last district game of the season. The Pioneers dug deep and played great defense against the Rebels, but Franklin County edged out a win, 44-43, Monday night at Charlie Dalton Gym.

Down by 4 points, Pioneer Treyton Terry made a vital 3-pointer with 15 seconds left, leading to an uproarious student section. Unfortunately, the Pioneers couldn’t regain possession fast enough to score another basket, losing 44-43 in a nail-biter.

Isaiah Cummings and Eli Kuykendall both led the Pioneers with 10 points each with Cummings scoring jump shots on the inside and Kuykendall putting up points under the basket. 

“Cummings can shoot,” said Warren County head coach Chris Sullens, “so we were trying to put the ball in his hands.” 

Sullens added, “Sawyer has stepped it up in points too.” Sawyer Seymour followed close behind, adding 9 points on three 3-pointers. 

Kaden Desmaris retrieved the jump ball and scored the first shot of the game which prompted an explosion of toilet paper on White Out Night in Warren County.

After Warren County received a technical foul in this Pioneer tradition, Shaimar Lyons made one of his two free throws, which may have been the difference between a losing and a winning ballgame. 

Foul shots would prove to be helpful for the Pioneers as they made 73.3% of their shots over Franklin County’s 50%. Both teams earned 11 points in free-throws with Kuykendall earning 6 for the Pioneers and Lyons scoring 6 for the Rebels.

The Rebels gained a slight lead by halftime, 21-18, but the Pioneers came out in the second half with Seymour retrieving many rebounds and joining the scoreboard with a 3. Warren was able to catch up and then keep up with Franklin to make a tie ballgame, 28-28, going into the fourth.

Nate Elrod went on a roll near the end with a couple jump shots as the Pioneers and the Rebels went back-and-forth with the lead. Cummings made an important steal after the ball was thrown away by Warren County, leaving Seymour open for another 3-pointer.

“This team has improved a lot,” said Sullens. He said they made some adjustments in the second half and added, “We give a lot of effort and our defense is strong.” Making baskets, according to Sullens, is the team’s biggest weakness.

The tournament for Class 4A, District 6 will start Monday for the girls and Tuesday for the boys at Shelbyville High School. Sullens said, “We are confident and we are feeling good.”

WARREN COUNTY -- Isaiah Cummings 10, Eli Kuykendall 10, Sawyer Seymour 9, Nate Elrod 6, Treyton Terry 5, Kaden Desmaris 3

FRANKLIN COUNTY -- Shaimar Lyons 18, KeAndre Johnson 10, Kaleb Rigsby 6, Debron Russell 6, Taylor Stovall 4