Up against another Mr. Basketball finalist the 9th ranked Tullahoma Wildcats led wire to wire and held off Ty Cobb and the top ranked Upperman Bees 59-51 Thursday night at Cookeville High School to capture the Region 4-3 A Championship.
“ What I night, Upperman’s got such a great team I mean they're fantastic. I’m so proud of my guys, we had a game plan on defense and we executed it,” said Tullahoma Head Coach Jason Welch postgame. “We knew we had to be physical, they’re so good on the glass, but they did a great job tonight. We’re just thrilled to win and it gets us a home game for the sectional and we’re so excited for that.
Just as they did Tuesday vs Stone Memorial in the region semifinals the Cats struck first on an Alex Bobo three 48 seconds into the game. Tullahoma would establish their post presence early with Austin Tinnion and Jayden Thompson stymieing Upperman’s inside game offensively and controlling the glass to limit the Bees second chance opportunities allowing Tullahoma to build a 14-8 advantage after one.
Despite one of their senior leaders Khani Johnson dealing with foul trouble and posting zero first half points the Wildcats grew their lead to double digits a couple of times in the second quarter before a few late baskets from Cobb pulled Upperman within 9 at the break 28-19.
Upperman closed the gap to four in the third on the back of Cobb who tallied a game high 34. However Tullahoma weathered the storm and pushed their advantage back out to seven to start the fourth.
Stretching their lead back out to double digits midway through the final quarter Tullahoma was able to draw Upperman into foul trouble and then ultimately seal the game at the free throw line. Johnson, who was held scoreless in the first half, had 8 second half points including five fourth quarter free throws.
The Wildcat defense came to play Thursday limiting the Bees other than Cobb to just 17 points. Tullahoma’s bench also made a difference outscoring Upperman 17-2
Farrell led Tullahoma with 30 points and was named the Region Tournament MVP. Farrell averaged 25 points per game in the 4-3A tournament. Johnson, Tinnion and Thompson joined Farrell on the All-Region Team. Farrell and Johnson were also named the Owens Provision co-players of the game.
The Wildcats who improved to 29-4 on the season will host Lenoir City in the Class 3A sectional with a trip to the state tournament on the line Monday at 7:00. 93.9 The Duck will be there to bring you all the action starting at 6:45.
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