Tullahoma basketball open district play with a pair of wins over Marshall County Tuesday night at Tullahoma High School.
In the opening game of the double header both the Lady Cats and TIgerettes came out slow and were notted a two late in the first before a Lilly Melton three and off ball foul by Marshall County turned into a five point possession for Tullahoma who led 7-2 after one.
The Lady Cats turned to their defense to set the tone and create offensive opportunities as they outscored the Tigerettes 21-9 in the second and third quarters to build a 17 point advantage heading to the fourth. Marshall County won the final period 11-7 but Tullahoma held on for the 35-22 win.
Aubrey North led the Lady Cats with 12 points and Lilly Melton added 10. Jachelle Ridley and Demiyah Blackmon paced the Tigerettes with 6 a piece.
The win improved Tulllahoma to 7-9 overall and 1-0 in 8-3A play. The loss drops Marshall County to 11-3 overall and 0-1 in the district.
In the night cap the Wildcats and Tigers played a barn burner trading slim leads throughout the night. What started as up tempo athletic showcase in the first first quarter slowed into more of a half court affair over thef the final three quaters. Along with fatigue slowing down the Tigers attack and cooling off their shooting Tullahoma also benifited from a poor showing from Marshall County at the free throw line which kept the Cats hanging around despite a sloppy third quarter of their own. Keegan Taylor came to play in the final eight scoring all of his game high 13 points in the final frame. Xavier Ferrell also spurred Tullahoma down the stretch with several key baskets finishing with 10 points. A Pair of DeAndre Jenkins free throws in the final seconds sealed the victory for the Wildcats as they rallied for a hard fought 59-55 win.
The Victory, Tullahoma’s fourth straight, improves them to 10-7 on the season and 1-0 in the District. Marshall County dropped to 10-5 overall and 0-1 in 8-3A competition.
Tullahoma hits the road to battle Central Magnet Friday and Lawrence County Tuesday. Both double headers tip off with the girls contest at 6:00. Marshall County returns home to host Giles County Friday at 6:00.
The next Tullahoma basketball broadcast on 93.9 The Duck is set for January 19th when they host Franklin County. Coverage, presented by Tennessee Homes, begins at 5:45.
January 9th District 8-3A Scoreboard
Girls
Lawrence County 57 Giles County 45
Murfreesboro Central Magnet 47 Franklin County 35
Tullahoma 35 Marshall County 22
Boys
Lawrence County 73 Giles County
Murfreesboro Central Magnet 55 Franklin County 39
Tullahoma 59 Marshall County 55
District 8-3A Standings
Girls
Lawrence County, Murfreesboro Central Magnet & Tullahoma 1-0
Franklin County, Giles County and Marshal County 0-1
Boys
Lawrence County, Murfreesboro Central Magnet & Tullahoma 1-0
Franklin County, Giles County and Marshal County 0-1
District 8-3A Schedule
January 12th
Franklin County at Lawrence County 6:00/7:30
Giles County at Marshall County 6:00/7:30
Tullahoma at Murfreesboror Central Magnet 6:00/7:30
January 16th
Giles County at Franklin County 6:00/7:30
Marshall County at Murfreesboro Central Magnet 6:00/7:30
Tullahoma at Lawrence County 6:00/7:30
