With both teams entering Friday night of the round robin tournament with an unblemished 2-0 tournament record, it was undeniable that the championship trophy was on the line. The NCOE Junior Cardinals and the Gallatin County Hawks had both disposed of Crab Orchard, as well as Hardin County en route to this final game on the final night of the Gallatin County Tournament.
When the ball was tipped, emotions were running high and players were a little on the anxious side, knowing what was at stake. Both teams would find it difficult to put the ball in the basket early on, and it was no wonder the first quarter came to a close with the score knotted at four all. Second quarter action found things heating up offensively for both teams, but unfortunately for the Jr. Cards, not as much as it was for the Jr. Hawks. As the second quarter ended, it would be Gallatin County pulling ahead by a score of 20-11 at the halftime break.
NCOE responded to this nine point deficit in the third quarter when they jumped out and outscored the Jr. Hawks by a score of 9-6 to narrow the gap to 26-20, with one quarter remaining. Knowing this six point Jr. Hawk lead was attainable, the Jr. Cards knew they needed to pick it up defensively to force some turnovers. This was exactly what NCOE would do, but Gallatin County found themselves at the free throw line, and the Jr. Hawks were able to convert 50% of their attempts during this final quarter to reassure victory. NCOE did give a gallant effort in this championship affair, but ended up falling by the final score of 40-27. This loss puts the Jr. Cardinals overall record back at the .500 mark at 3-3. NCOE will be back in action on Monday, November 9, when they travel to Hardin County, and again on Thursday, November 12, when they head to Carrier Mills.
Leading scorer for the Junior Cardinals was Jack Riggs. Riggs hit nailed three three-pointers to claim nine points in the contest. Joe Melton and Ty Money followed with six points each, while CJ Richardson and Trey Simmons added three points apiece. Simmons led the way with four assists followed by two each from CJ Richardson and Jack Riggs. Ty Money dished out one of his own.
CJ Richardson was the force down low for NCOE, grabbing five rebounds. Trey Simmons, Joe Melton, and Ty Money each ripped down two boards of their own, along with one each from Jack Riggs and Devon Lawless. CJ Richardson also led the way in steals with a team high five swipes. Joe Melton, Bryce Jolley, Ty Money, and Trey Simmons each claimed one of their own.
