After a comeback second-half of the season, Red Bay’s varsity boys’ run for a regional appearance ended on a 33-21, 2A AHSAA sub-region loss against Altamont on Feb. 10.

“I think our nerves played a little bit in the first quarter,” said Tiger boys’ coach Matt Noah.

Altamont led Red Bay 11-5 in the first quarter, but the Tigers came back in the second to outscore them by 14 points to take a three point, 19-16 lead at halftime.

“In the second quarter we played like we’re capable of and went into the half with a three point lead,” Noah said.

After Altamont went up in the third quarter they decided to hold the ball and slow down the pace of the game for the majority of the quarter.

“During that time we picked up three steals but we just couldn’t convert,” added Noah.

“If we had scored on those it would have made a big difference in the ballgame.”

Red Bay picked up 19 points in the first half but added only two points in the third and fourth quarters.

“They did a good job at keeping the ball away from us, executing and knocking down their free throws,” said Noah.

Altamont scored seven points in the final quarter—all on free throws.

Dakota Hester led Red Bay with six, Tate Ozbirn scored five, Dylan Grissom and Nick Thorn added four each and Austin Milam scored two for Red Bay.

“This has been an up and down year for us,” Noah said.

“It’s been a great season and there’s a lot that these boys will take with them for life about overcoming adversity and playing through things.

“We’ve had so many injuries and really didn’t get into the groove until the area tournament.”

Noah said a lot of younger kids stepped up and some who would not have gotten a lot of experience this year ended up getting that in-game experience.

“As a team, from the beginning of the season to the end, we have improved so much.”