Epic comeback falls short for Bobcats
The Phil Campbell Bobcats were seemingly on their way to being blown out of the gym in the Class 3A Area 15 finals against host Colbert County, but the thrilling finish ended in a game-winning shot.
Colbert County couldn’t miss in the first half. The Indians raced out to a 20-10 lead and extended it to 39-15 by halftime.
At that point, Colbert County seemed to be in cruise control territory, thanks in large part to guard Cannon Berryman, who dropped 19 first-half points.
The second half was the polar opposite of the first. The Indians appeared to let their guard down and get complacent in the second half, while the Bobcats came out of the locker room with a little more pep in their step.
Phil Campbell’s defensive intensity in the second half slowed the Colbert County offense to a crawl. The Bobcats outscored the Indians 13-2 in the third quarter.
Phil Campbell went on a 28-4 run at one point and tied the game at 47-47 with just less than one minute to play in the game.
With the game tied, the Indians put the ball in their playmaker’s hand. Berryman dribbled the ball near the Indian bench for close to 40 seconds before driving to the left side of the lane and nailing a step-back jumper to give Colbert County a 49-47 lead with three seconds to go in the game.
The Bobcats got one last opportunity with a heave from near half court that didn’t fall, ending an epic comeback attempt by Phil Campbell.
Quentin Hyde led the Bobcats with 19 points, 13 of which came in the second half.
Bryant Hyde followed with 12 points on four three-pointers.
Cam Habada added nine points, Kyle Pace seven points and Canaan Clay three points.
Berryman finished with 24 points for Colbert County.
Phil Campbell beat Danville in the semifinals 51-39. The Bobcats led 16-4 at the end of the first quarter and 24-13 at halftime. The Hawks made a run in the third quarter, but the Bobcats squashed it quickly.
Bryant Hyde led Phil Campbell with 16 points. Habada and Quentin Hyde followed with 10 points each. Kyle Pace added six points, Cole Pace five points and Clay four points.
Phil Campbell traveled to Lauderdale County for subregion play.
