WCMS 7th-graders top Irving College
A strong first half gave the seventh-grade Warren County boys basketball team all the edge they would need to down the visiting Tigers of Irving College 46-33 Monday night.
During first quarter action both teams were a little slow to get things going on offense. Brently Panter put Irving College on the board first with a basket under the goal. But the Pioneers answered with five straight points to hold a 7-4 lead.
Action heated up in the second period as Paul Lawson Prater scored Warren County’s first six points of the period. But Irving College had a answer with Josh Burton and Darrid Wells. Irving College’s offense went cold during the last two minutes of the half. Courtney Blevins closed out the half for Warren County with three big offensive rebounds and four points as the Pioneers led 18-8 at the half.
Both teams came out in the third period with back court pressure but the Pioneers defense had the advantage as quick hands created turnovers by Irving College. Blevins took charge of the boards and Matt McColluch drove the paint for Warren County as the Pioneers built a 31-16 lead. Irving College was held to eight points in the period with Ethan Grider hitting for four.
In the final period, Irving College hit the glass for 17 points. Grider and Wells pushed to get their team back in contention. But Blevins who scored eight of his game high 21 points took charge on both ends of the glass to secure the win.
For the Pioneers, Blevins had 21, Prater hit for 13, McColluch added 10 and Keel hit for two points. For the Tigers, Grider had 13 points, Wells had nine, Panter hit for five, Josh Burton had four and Jamie Hice added two points.