Warren County Middle School mounted a fierce second-half comeback, but the Pioneers fell just short on the road Tuesday night against a tough Blackman team.

Despite a determined effort, WCMS suffered a 44-36 loss.

Dyson Elam led the way for the Pioneers with 14 points, followed closely behind by Aaron Templeton with 13.

WCMS couldn’t overcome a sluggish first half, punctuated by a difficult first quarter where the team only mustered 3 points. That allowed Blackman to race out to a 12-3 lead. Blackman was still comfortably in control 24-9 at the half.

“Blackman has a very long and athletic team that is well coached,” said WCMS coach Kevin Burnett. “We dug ourselves a hole in the first half.”

The Pioneers came to life like a bolt of lightning in the third quarter. Elam and Templeton both buried 3-pointers and Andrew Key was active around the rim as WCMS clawed to within 9 points, 34-25.

WCMS kept charging in the fourth quarter behind a Carter Simpson 3-pointer, but Blackman was able to hit enough of its foul shots down the stretch to cling to victory. Blackman made 5-of-8 free throws in the fourth quarter to preserve the win.

“Our guys battled so hard in the second half,” said coach Burnett. “We cut it to 6 in the fourth, but couldn’t close the gap any closer. I was very proud how our guys competed against a tough opponent.”

WCMS is scheduled to travel to Sparta on Friday night for a game against White County. The Pioneers are scheduled to play at home on Monday night against Franklin South.

WCMS scoring

Dyson Elam 14, Aaron Templeton 13, Andrew Key 4, Carter Simpson 3, Nate Turner 2

Blackman top scorers

Trey McGaffee 10, Malachi Long 10