Pioneer cagers ‘cream’ Coffee: Harrell posts 34 points in WCHS win

By ROB NUNLEY / Sports Editor for the Southern Standard

Reese Bishop applies defensive pressure to Coffee County’s T.R. Williams during the first quarter of Tuesday night’s game in Manchester. (Rob Nunley photo)

MANCHESTER — Coffee County held its own for a while, but in the end Warren County’s quickness and defensive pressure were too much for the Red Raiders to handle Tuesday night.

Led by a 34-point performance from Randal Harrell, the Pioneers built an early advantage that steadily grew throughout Tuesday’s game on the way to a 78-57 win.

“We just stayed with what we do, and we felt that we could wear them out,” said WCHS coach Doug Keil, whose team led 15-12 after one quarter and took a 34-25 lead into halftime. “We made some adjustments as far as making sure the kids were in the right places, but mainly we just kept attacking and doing what we do.”

Coming out of intermission with a nine-point edge, the Pioneers took command for good in the third quarter, forcing six Red Raider turnovers in the period. Reese Bishop took advantage of several of those takeaways, posting 10 points in the quarter, and Harrell added 10 more including six free throws.

“Coffee County likes to press and run, and we felt we could press and run with them, and get them in a mode where they were a little bit more out of control than they’re used to,” Keil said.

With their lead continuing to expand through the game’s final period, the Pioneers provided the fans that made the trip to Coffee County with some highlights late in the contest — including a breakaway dunk from Harrell midway through the fourth that brought the WCHS faithful to their feet.

In addition to Harrell’s 34, the Pioneers got 16 points from Bishop and eight from Kyle Thompson. Ross Marlowe and Todd Gilley had four each, and Brooks Majors scored three. Breu Bonner, Andy Harrell and Josh Nunley had a basket each, and Brandon Adcock scored on a layup in the fourth quarter for his first varsity points. Bossy Simpson added a late free throw to round out the winning effort.

Coffee County was led by Daniel West’s 15 points, while Cody Hodge scored all nine of his points in the fourth quarter. Jon Jones and Marcus Norris had eight each, Jerry Green had six, and T.R. Williams scored three. Alex Knox, Cole Brazier, Luis Vado and Jamie Norris had two each.

The Pioneers, who improved to 11-5 with the win, play host to Franklin County tonight at the Charlie Dalton Gym. WCHS downed the Rebels 74-55 when they met earlier this season in Winchester.

“It was a competitive game last time, and they get after it,” Keil said of FCHS. “They’re a well-coached team, and we’re going to have to play well to pull out a win.”