Tests took a backseat to trash talking Friday when WCMS coaches and students squared off in an exhibition basketball game in front of the student body.
The coaches were able to hold off the WCMS Lady Pioneers and Pioneers 45-39.
“I talked a lot of trash so I had to back it up,” said WCMS girls coach Tara Koran, who led her squad with 12 points. “It was such a fun game. It’s been close the last two years.”
Koran set the tone early, ripping the ball from one of her players. She added a monster block in the third quarter, slamming a would-be layup into the stands. She delivered the knockout blow late, banking in back-to-back 3-pointers to give her team the lead for good.
Leanne Morrison and Lee Carden, both standouts in their high-school careers, added nine points apiece for the teachers.
The nip-tuck game saw the students take a 22-21 lead midway through the third quarter. Kyra Perkins, who finished with a team-high 12 points, gave her team an advantage with a floater over Koran.
Perkins also had one of the bigger highlights of the day, flying by a pair of teachers with a dizzying display of dribbling which left students watching in awe.
Evan Watts and Chase Newby also hit big 3-pointers in the second half for the students.
James Coldwell and Justin Adcock were able to connect on 3-pointers for the teachers, both coming in the first half.
Owen Clark kept the student team in front late in the third, driving baseline and scoring while getting crushed by WCMS assistant coach JT Morgan. Clark would connect on the ensuing free throw, part of a five-point performance.
It was one of the few times the students were able to score inside. The teachers relied on their size advantage, inviting their players to a block party.
Chase McGee swatted a JJ Jacobs shot early, leading to a friendly back-and-forth between the two who shared the diamond this spring. Koran had no trouble patrolling the paint either, turning back many shots from her Lady Pioneers.
After the contest, players and coaches gathered for a group photo. The trash talking was over – everybody was on the same team once again.
