Athens Still Perfect in District After OT Win
(Post sponsored by Tinsley Title, Holt Wrecker, R&R lawn specialists, Gibson Pharmacy.)
MABANK -- The Athens Hornets went on the road Tuesday night and outlasted Mabank in overtime, 70-67, in a battle for the top of District 15-4A.
With the Panthers fouling to stop the clock, the Hornets went 4-for-6 from the free throw line in the final :30 seconds of overtime to fight off a furious Mabank comeback and move their district record to 5-0. The Hornets now have a tight grip on the top spot in the standings.
But it wasn't easy Tuesday. After dominating the boards on both ends to build a six-point lead by the end of the third quarter, the Hornets watched the Panthers put together a 10-1 run to start the fourth. That quarter saw the two teams exchange the lead seven times with four ties.
Overtime saw three more lead changes, but the Hornets finished on a 6-2 run, including the four free throws, to end the Panthers' hopes.
Athens was led by big E'manuel Moore with 21 points who was also a force on the boards for the Hornets. Kaden Paul added 13 points, Rhys Groom and Jayvian Taylor each had 11, Cody Carter 4, and Isaiah Hogg and Jase Warren added 2 points each.
After the game on @AHSHornetHoops twitter, Coach Cliff Thompson highlighted the defensive play of Julious Brewer and a big second half by Rhys Groom.
Mabank was led by Luke Carter with 22 points.
The Hornets will be back home Friday night to host Lindale, who defeated Kemp Tuesday night. Action starts with the JV at 5 p.m., followed by the Freshmen and then Varsity.
