Wolverines Fall in First Round of State
By EDDY GIFFORD
Sports Writer
The Wolverine basketball team traveled to Athens on Wednesday, Feb. 22 to face the Athens Christian School Eagles in the first round of the Georgia 1A State Basketball Tournament with a chance to advance to the Sweet Sixteen with a win.
Both teams had a good first quarter with the Wolverines holding a slight edge after the first eight minutes of play, leading 15-13.
The Eagles battled back in the second quarter as both teams continued to play well on both ends of the court. The Wolverines were led by Brody Cooper in the quarter with seven points but came up a little short as Athens Christian held a four-point lead at the end of the second quarter, 32-28.
Photo by Eddy Gifford – EDDY GIFFORD/Dade County Sentinel
The Wolverines basketball season came to an end Wednesday night, Feb. 22 in the first round of the state tournament. Dade lost to Athens Christian School 71-55 in a hard-fought game that they lost control of in the second half. The Wolverines finished off a successful season with a return trip to the state tournament. Senior Levi Moreland scores in recent action for the Wolverines. Moreland played his last game as a Wolverine against Athens Christian.
Dade really struggled in the third quarter as shots would not fall and the host poured in 18 points to take a big lead into the fourth quarter, 50-38.
While the Wolverines played better in the fourth quarter, they were unable to keep up with Athens Christian School as they outscored the Wolverines 21-17 to take the win 71-55 ending the Wolverines season.
Cooper led the Wolverines with 20 points, while fellow senior Levi Moreland scored ten points.
The Wolverines, under coach Kevin Templeton, came a long way from the beginning of the season, improving with each game. Coach Templeton and assistant Tammy Stevens are to be commended for their hard work in leading the team to the state tournament.
The Wolverine players are to be commended as well for their hard work and dedication on and off the court. For those returning next season, we look forward to seeing what you can accomplish.
Dade 15 13 10 17 55
ACS 13 19 18 21 71
Bryson Shrader 5, Demetris Walker 3, Carter Christiansen, Kade Pardue 9, Brody Cooper 20, Zach Counts 2, Jace Anderson, Ben Williams, Conner Wilburn 2, Levi Moreland 10, Braydan Jones 4.
The Trion Bulldogs lost their first-round game to Rabun County 54-42 last week as well.
The second seeded Chattooga Indians won their first-round game over Tallulah Falls, 60-57, and then lost their second round game to Mount Vernon by the final score of 87-49.
The top seeded Darlington Tigers who finished the region schedule with a 14-0 record won their first-round game against Elbert County 75-51 and then hosted Mount Pisgah Christian and lost 78-66 to end their season.
After twos rounds of the state tournament, all four of the Region 7 A D1 teams have been eliminated.