By Brayleigh Boggs
Carter County Times
West Carter fought for every point in the first round of the 62nd District Tournament. But despite their efforts, the Elliott County Lions held on to their double-digit lead to secure their place in the championship game, defeating the Comets 63-46
Even with multiple comeback chances and three players in double digits, the offensive power of Elliott’s Tyson Crabtree (00), Elijah Faulkner (5), Lake Adkins (21), and Ian Griffith (23) proved to be too much for the Comets to handle.
Senior Nate Hale (24) opened the game with a tone-setting layup under pressure. Elliott wasted no time responding with a pair of their own from Ethan Copley (24). Hale (24) fired back, making it 4-2 Comets early into the first. The Lions clawed back with an and one from Ian Griffith (23). The comets kept the offensive pressure heavy with free throws from Nate Webb (33). Elijah Faulkner (5) made his mark on the stat sheet with a long three and a layup, sending Elliott into a scoring frenzy. Coach Webb called a timeout to settle the Comets, who trailed 12-6.
Elliott’s Faulkner (5) and Copley (24) added six to the scoreboard before the Comets fired back in the paint and on the line. As the buzzer sounded, Elliott took the first quarter 18-9. Crabtree (00) worked the post and the board to steadily raise the Lions’ lead. The senior brought home six points and three rebounds within 90 seconds of the second quarter. Cannan Arrowood (3) followed with his own basket, separating them by 15 points.
Wade Lawson (32) snagged a steal, and Nate Webb (33) finally saw some potential for the Comets. Hale (24) pulled up for a long three, and the West team finally got the kick start they needed. With one minute remaining in the half, Elliott regained their spark with a triple by Arrowood (3) and a steal that locked in the halftime score at 32-18 Lions.
Hale (24) opened the second half strong, powering through pressure to get the Comets going early. Webb (33) kept the fire going with a three of his own. Adkins (21) and Griffith (23) responded for the Lions, keeping their lead strong. West Carter refused to give up, Brody Boggs (14) and Hale (24) fought for every opportunity at the basket, and Tabor Tackett (53) was relentless on defense. Crabtree (00) added an and one but was countered by a contested shot from Webb (33). Hale (24) forced a turnover from the Lions, but their momentum was short-lived. Caden Sloas (11) sank a three-pointer for Elliott, and Copley (24) locked down the Comets’ offense. Sending them to their bench with a 47-32 lead.
Christian Clarke (0) and Boggs (24) hit the ground running to begin the final quarter, bringing in eight within a matter of minutes. Jamison Wagoner (31) pulled down an offensive rebound for the Comets, and Boggs (14) cut the deficit to ten at the line. Arrowood (3) stepped up to the line, where he finished two. Tackett (53) checked back in for the Comets and made his presence known, causing chaos defensively. Hale (24) powered through the lane for a hard-fought basket, but Elliott responded with one of their own. Griffith (23) and Copley (24) were unshakable at the line, stretching their lead to 13. A technical foul and four free throws by Griffith (23) sealed the Lions’ victory. As time expired, the clock read 63-46, locking in Elliott’s seat in the 62nd District Tournament Championship last Friday (February 27) at East Carter High School.
Contact the writer at news@cartercountytimes.com
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