It wasn’t a white Christmas just yet, but the Pioneers came ready to play Smith County in any weather in White County on Tuesday during the ninth annual Sonic Shoot-Out.
The game was tied, 68-68, and possession was with the Owls with :04 left. That’s when Pioneer Isaac Golden forced a turnover for Warren County and got the ball to freshman Irving Espinoza, who hit a buzzer-beater for the win, 71-68.
“Once again we just battle and play to the end,” said Warren County head coach Chris Sullens. “We were outscored in every quarter until the fourth. Down 10 points at the start of the fourth, our guys just kept battling. We are getting better each time we step on the floor. I am proud of how this group continues to fight and look forward to Wednesday’s game which could be an opportunity to play Cookeville to see how we stack up against a team picked ahead of us in our district.”
In a classic strategic situation, Warren County distributed the basketball between nine players with Isaiah Grayson topping the list with 20 points.
Smith County had sharpshooter Shermar King who hit for a total of 29 points inside, outside the arc and from the line. Only four other players posted points for the Owls however, giving Warren County the upper hand through teamwork.
Both teams shot equally well from the line, as Warren County went 11-of-22 for 50 percent while Smith County was 13-of-21 for 62 percent.
Besides hitting the game winner, Espinoza tallied the second highest score for the Pioneers with 15 points. Tyree Ladet scored 12 points, K’Rojhn Calbert hit for 11, Golden 4 and Sloan Seymour, Ethan Smith and Caleb Newby all scored 3 points apiece.