The Jr. Bulldogs triumphed over the Jr. Cyclones in a gripping double overtime game, clinching a 62-60 victory on March 15, 2024, at Jonesborough Elementary. This thrilling matchup showcased the resilience and determination of both teams, each vying for a significant win before the upcoming Christmas break.
As the game unfolded, the Jr. Bulldogs aimed to solidify their confidence against a formidable TAD team. In contrast, the Jr. Cyclones faced the challenge of competing without one of their star players, Creed Baker, who suffered a foot fracture just a day prior. Despite this setback, the game turned into a showcase of skill, excitement, and competitive spirit, drawing cheers from an enthusiastic crowd.
Early in the first quarter, both teams displayed a back-and-forth dynamic, with short scoring runs that kept spectators engaged. Cyclones’ Carson Lyons fought for an offensive rebound to tie the score at 6. The Jr. Cyclones then gained momentum as Rider Witten capitalized on a steal, pushing TAD to a 10-5 lead. However, Wade Harrison responded for the Bulldogs with a timely three-pointer, signaling that the game would remain tightly contested.
In the second quarter, TAD continued to maintain a slight advantage. Witten’s two late three-pointers sparked a 9-1 run, allowing the Jr. Cyclones to head into halftime with a 21-14 lead, bolstered by a last-second floater from Braylon Hopewell.
The third quarter marked a shift as the Jr. Bulldogs mounted a comeback. Harrison sank two three-pointers, followed by a basket from Allison, giving the Bulldogs a 27-26 lead with just under four minutes remaining. Their lead grew to seven points as Rylen Jones connected on a jumper and Allison hit another three-pointer, putting the score at 35-28. Yet, the Cyclones were not to be outdone; Witten’s third three-pointer and a layup from Drake Lytton narrowed the margin to 37-35 by the end of the quarter.
The final period saw both teams exchanging baskets, maintaining the intensity and excitement. With just over a minute left, Jayden Johnson gave the Bulldogs a brief 43-41 lead. However, Tristen Cole tied the game at 43, pushing the match into overtime after the Bulldogs missed crucial free throws.
In the first overtime, the Jr. Bulldogs reclaimed the lead, with Harrison scoring quickly and Jones adding two free throws, making it 49-46. Yet, a last-second three-pointer from TAD’s Collin Whitehead forced a second overtime, keeping hopes alive for both teams.
The second overtime was a nail-biter. Stephen Gorby gave the Jr. Cyclones a 55-53 lead with a floater, but Allison quickly responded by hitting two three-pointers, putting the Bulldogs ahead 60-56 with just 46 seconds remaining. After a Bulldogs turnover and a quick TAD score, Johnson managed to tie the game again at 60 with under 20 seconds left.
With the clock winding down, Hopewell delivered the decisive layup while heavily guarded, securing a 62-60 win for the Jr. Bulldogs with less than three seconds left on the clock.
Postgame, Jr. Bulldogs coach Leon Tolley commended both teams for their effort and noted the challenges faced by the Cyclones without Baker. “We knew it would be a game of runs, and they outplayed us early. We played well at the end, two evenly matched teams,” he stated, emphasizing the competitive nature of the encounter.
This game served to highlight the strengths of both teams. The Jr. Bulldogs showcased their determination and skill, while the Jr. Cyclones demonstrated remarkable resilience in the face of adversity. Gorby led the Cyclones with 19 points, while Witten added 14, and Lyons contributed 12. For the Bulldogs, Jones and Harrison each scored 17 points, with Allison contributing 14.
As expectations grow, fans look forward to a potential rematch between these two teams in the tournament championship game scheduled for Monday afternoon.
