Bulldogs advance to finals
By Staff
Mike Self FCT Sports Editor
RED BAY - Justin Gardner and Kyle Warren each had 17 points on Monday to lead Belgreen past East Franklin 43-40 in ninth-grade boys semifinal action at the Franklin County Tournament.
The Bulldogs led by just two points at halftime before Gardner opened the third quarter with nine straight points to extend the lead to 29-18.
The Rebels rallied at the end of the third quarter, closing to within seven on a three-pointer at the buzzer by Tanner Maddox.
Warren then opened the fourth quarter with a three-point play and went on to score five more points down the stretch as Belgreen advanced to face Red Bay in Tuesday's championship game.
A free throw by Warren gave Belgreen a six-point lead in the final seconds before Stevie Jones drained a three-pointer at the buzzer for East Franklin.
Maddox led the Rebels with 11 points. Corey Wilson and Josh Waid each added eight.
Casey Carr opened the game with a jumper for East Franklin, but Belgreen responded with an 8-0 run that included two baskets by Gardner.
The Bulldogs led 9-4 after one quarter.
The Rebels rallied in the second quarter, taking a one-point lead on a putback by Waid.
Belgreen moved back in front on a jumper by Warren, and East Franklin grabbed the lead for the last time on a three by Maddox that made it 16-15 with 1:30 left in the first half.
Back-to-back baskets by Warren gave Belgreen a 19-16 lead.
After a putback by Waid trimmed the lead to one, Gardner made a free throw to give the Bulldogs a 20-18 halftime lead.
In previous ninth-grade boys action at the Franklin County Tournament:
Red Bay 52 Phil Campbell 29
Justin Page and Anthony Horton each had 12 points to lead Red Bay in Saturday's semifinal win.
Jonathan Dill led Phil Campbell with 11 points.
Belgreen 35 Vina 14
Justin Gardner had 14 points for the Bulldogs in Saturday's win.
Randy Barnes led Vina with eight points.
