by Bart Moss for the FCT

The Tharptown Wildcats closed out an outstanding regular season on Monday night defeating the Rogers Pirates 78-61.  The Wildcats close out the regular season with a 25-2 record heading into area play. Their only two losses came to Russellville and East Lawrence.

“We have had a great regular season,” said Tharptown coach Jonathan Odom.  “But the real season starts this week with the area tournament.  It is win or go home time.  It doesn’t matter how many games you’ve won or who you’ve beat.  All that matters now is winning the next game.”

The Wildcats will host the 2A Area 15 tournament beginning Thursday night at 6 p.m. when they play Cherokee.

Tharptown wasn’t able to put the Rogers Pirates away until the fourth quarter.  The Wildcats led 34-23 at halftime and 48-44 going into the fourth quarter.  Tharptown was able to pull away in the fourth quarter outscoring Rogers 30-17 to get the win.

Max Nolen and Bailey Motes score 18 points each to lead the Wildcats.  Blake Gray added 16 points and Drake Lawson added 11 points in the win.  Others scoring were Mikey Rosson (6), Nathan Chaney (3), Heath Hatton (2), Clay Hodge (2), Eric Odell (1).

The varsity girls didn’t fare as well.  The Lady Wildcats lost to Rogers 78-61.

Kathy Alfaro led Tharptown with 11 points.  Others scoring for Tharptown were Jessica Wilson (8), Haley Malone (5), Linda Bahena (3), Katie Dawson (2), Klaudia Harris (2), Shaylee Whieting (1), Debbie Gomez (1), and Amelia Dawson (1).

The Lady Wildcats play Hatton at Mars Hill Tuesday night at 7:30pm in the 2A Area 15 tournament.