Big Blue’s strong defense slows high scoring Owls offensive attack in first rivalry clash

Tigers 54, 

Owls 48

By Terry Collins, Shea Haile Courier Sports

CARTHAGE — The two high schools renewed their rivalry last Friday night in Carthage when the Owls and Tigers met on the hardwood. 

The Tigers, coming off a state semifinal appearance a year ago, were poised to break a two game losing streak to the Owls. 

Smith Co., under first year head coach Layne Bussell, had gotten off to a 4-3 start and were averaging over 70 points a game in that start. 

Gordonsville was reeling after their first loss of the year to Jackson County at home on Tuesday as coach Greg Bibb’s squad was anxious to get back on the winning track.

The Big Blue used a 22-16 run in the final period to snatch a 54-48 victory to improve to 4-1 overall. The Tigers had a balanced scoring effort with junior Carter Gibson leading the way with 18 points and fueling the fourth quarter rally with 11 points. 

Brodie Sykes and James Peoples tallied 10 points apiece while Tucker Smith tossed in nine. Clinton Pope completed the scoring with seven points ad the visitors hit 49 percent from the field and 76 percent from the foul line.

The Big Blue were particularly effective from the charity stripe in the fourth quarter as they made 12-of-15 free throws for 80 percent. 

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