Warren County edged in hoop scrimmage

By DALE STUBBLEFIELD / Staff Reporter for the Southern Standard

Warren County High School basketball coach Doug Keil calls a timeout to set up the Pioneers’ final play with five seconds left on the clock during Thursday’s scrimmage against Upperman at the Charlie Dalton Gym.

The Warren County High School basketball team ended its spring practice schedule Thursday with a scrimmage against Upperman, and came up short one point, losing 65-64.

Randal Harrell with 24 points and Reese Bishop with 19 led the way for the Pioneers, who found themselves down early in the first quarter 14-6 but fought their way back with six straight points to end the first down 14-12.

Upperman opened up a big lead in the second half as coach Doug Keil rotated all his players into some playing time on the floor. By halftime Upperman had a 36-25 lead.

The Pioneers got into a good offensive rhythm in the third, with good motion and ball movement. The Pioneers worked the ball inside to Harrell and Cody Hillis to pull the game within one by the end of the third, 46-45.

In the fourth the two teams exchange leads over the next six minutes of play. With 10 seconds left on the clock Warren County found itself down 63-61. Bishop took the inbound pass and drove the length of the court to lay the ball in for two, and drew a foul to send him to the line for a chance at a three-point play.

Bishop hit the foul shot to give the Pioneers a one point lead 64-63. Upperman passed the ball down court with five seconds on the clock and as time ran off drew a shooting foul with no time left. Upperman stepped to the line and ended the game as they hit both foul shots to steal the game 65-64.

“We had a good spring workout and got a lot of things accomplished,” Keil said. “This was a good scrimmage for us over all; we did a good job but we found a few things we need to work on.

“There were a couple of younger players who stepped up and played very aggressive today, and that is very exciting for our coaching staff. We got everybody some playing time and all the younger players did a good of job coming in and playing their position.

“We have a lot of work to do, but overall I was very pleased with our effort. We have a group of hard working kids that are dedicated to improving their skills.”