The Pioneers withstood a furious fourth-quarter rally Thursday night in Sparta to advance to the championship game of the Sonic Shootout.

Warren County won a high-scoring slugfest against Clay County, 78-74.

The Pioneers were led by Tyree Ladet with 23 points. Ladet was 4-of-5 from the free-throw line down the stretch.

Isaiah Grayson added 16 points, Irving Espinoza scored 13, and Sloan Seymour had 11.

The win improves Warren County to 12-2. The Pioneers will play in the Sonic Shootout championship game Friday night at 8 p.m. at White County High School.

Warren County was up 49-42 entering the fourth quarter when Clay County caught fire from 3-point land. Mason Sharp drained four 3-pointers in the fourth as part of a 19-point performance. Teammate Larden Woodcock also hit a 3-pointer and finished with 22 points.

Fortunately, the Pioneers have 3-point power of their own as Grayson and Espinoza helped Warren County to emerge with a victory by each connecting on two 3-pointers.