Tharptown’s Drake Lawson powers down the court in their win over PCHS. Photo by Bart Moss.

By Bart Moss

For the FCT

Tharptown 82, Phil Campbell 40

The Tharptown Wildcats wasted no time asserting their dominance over the Phil Campbell Bobcats in their first matchup of the season.

The Wildcats’ full-court pressure and dominant running game allowed them to open up a 50-17 first half lead over the Bobcats. Tharptown extended their lead at the end of the game cruising to an 82-40 win.

“We played well tonight,” Tharptown coach Jonathan Odom said.

“We were able to get balanced scoring from a lot of people tonight. We kept the pressure on defense. We still have a lot of room for improvement we need to make before we get into area play.”

Tharptown had four players in double figures. Drake Lawson led the way with 18 points. Heath Hatton added 14 points. Bailey Motes scored 13 points and Nathan Chaney added 10 points. Others scoring were Max Nolen (9), Blake Gray (7), Allen Gaston (6), Mikey Rossen (3), and Brady Petree (2).

Hayden Bell led the Bobcats with 12 points. Others scoring for the Bobcats were Noah Williams (9), Peyton Thomas (8), Hayden Copeland (7), Jacob Anthony (6), Skylar Tackett (1), and Ryan Saint (1).

Hickory Flats (Miss.) 61, Phil Campbell 42

The Phil Campbell Bobcats had a rough time against Hickory Flats, Miss. in the Alabama/Mississippi Shootout.

Hickory Flats jumped out to a 29-6 first quarter lead over the Bobcats and cruised to the win. The Bobcats trailed 42-17 at the half. Phil Campbell was able to make up some ground in the second half but it was not near enough to get back into the game.

Hayden Copeland led the Bobcats with 11 points.

Phil Campbell 64, Mantachie (Miss.) 42

The Phil Campbell Bobcats jumped out to a 15-10 lead over Mantachie, Miss. in the Alabama/Mississippi Shootout to claim a 64-42 win.

The Bobcats led 33-19 at halftime and 45-31 at the end of the third quarter.

Hayden Bell led the way for the Bobcats scoring 19 points.