On paper, it seemed like a mismatch to have the WCMS sixth-grade boys basketball team competing against Hickory Creek, an elementary school that only goes up to fifth grade.

On the court, it wasn’t much different than what it seemed on paper.

WCMS cruised to a 51-9 victory Thursday night at Hickory Creek to win the county championship.

The Pioneers built a 26-3 lead after the first quarter to make the rest of the game an exercise in how fast the clock could expire.

Dyson Elam led WCMS with a game-high 14 points. Nathan Turner added 11.

Maddox Baker was the top scorer for Hickory Creek with 3.

WCMS coach Justin Adcock took time in the matchup to not only appreciate the effort of his unbeaten Pioneers, but also get a glimpse of the players who could make up his roster next season.

“I thought it was a good opportunity to evaluate some of the boys that will be moving in to play at the middle school next season,” said Adcock. “I thought we played well and I hope our style of play excited the Hickory Creek players.”

Elam was one of the many former Hawks who had a hand in the big win. Seven of the 10 Pioneers who suited up Thursday played at Hickory Creek a season ago. Each of them scored in the championship game.

JP Toney had six points, followed by Brody Womack with five. Rounding out the scoring was Andrew Key with four, Lincoln Sain and Brooks Dunlap with three each and Creed Adams with one.

Aaron Templeton also had four points for the Pioneers.

Adcock believes the group, which went 13-0 in elementary games this winter, has a great future thanks to a tireless work ethic.

“I’m proud of the boys for their hard work and dedication,” said Adcock. “Our ultimate goal is to help prepare them for high school ball. I hope that I have developed them into better players than they were when they arrived.”

Ayden Odineal and Khiree Martin scored two points apiece for the Hawks, while Keyton Reno and Carter Lee connected on free throws in the second half.