Long-range fireworks spark Tharptown wins
It was a night of emotion, celebration, and long-range shooting at Tharptown High School. Between a dramatic boys’ victory over Vina and a dominant showing from the girls’ squad, the Wildcats gave the home crowd plenty to cheer about during their senior night festivities.
In a game where the perimeter was the primary battleground, the Wildcats narrowly escaped with a 42-39 victory over the Vina Red Devils. The two teams combined for a staggering 15 three-pointers, turning the contest into a tactical game of long-range shooting.
Tharptown jumped out to a slim 24-19 lead at halftime, but a stagnant third quarter saw the Wildcats manage only five points, allowing Vina to creep back into the game. However, a 13-point fourth-quarter surge secured the win for the home team.
Zach Riley paced the Wildcats with 13 points, four of which came from behind the arc. He was supported by teammate Jackson Knighten, who also dialed in four threepointers for 12 points. Evin Lawson (9), Cody McClusky (6), and Joshua Bahena (2) rounded out the scoring.
Vina’s Colton Davis was the game’s high scorer with 15 points, including three treys. Branson Vick followed with 11 points, including two three pointers, while Matthew Patterson (6), Parker Watts (5), and Henley Dean (2) kept the Red Devils within striking distance until the final buzzer.
The night held a significance deeper than the scoreboard. During the senior night ceremony, Tharptown honored Caden Hill, a member of the Shoals United Starz sports program. In a moving moment of inclusion, Caden started the game and played several possessions with the varsity squad. He racked up nine points, highlighted by a bankshot three-pointer that brought the crowd to its feet.
Tharptown’s Zach Riley shoots a layup.
Lady Wildcats
The Tharptown girls ensured the night was a sweep with a commanding 57-16 win over Vina. The game was effectively decided in a massive first half as Tharptown outscored the Red Devils 41-5.
Raleigh Harrell provided the spark of the game, scoring all 13 of her points in a single, explosive second- quarter flurry. Alyssa Fischer was equally dangerous, netting 12 points behind three successful three-pointers. Carly Cason (9) and Allie Gann (7) contributed to the win.
For Vina, Linda Easterling led the way with six points, followed by Marissa Lamar (5), Miranda King (3), and Miley Panell (2).
The Lady Wildcats proved they could win the tough ones, too, grinding out a 43-37 victory over Covenant Christian.
After a sluggish start that saw both teams tied at just three points after the first quarter, Covenant Christian surged to a 19-13 lead at the half. However, the third quarter belonged entirely to Tharptown as the Wildcats exploded for 19 points to reclaim the lead.
Cason was the catalyst, scoring 15 total points, nine of which came during that pivotal thirdquarter run. Kaeleigh Harrell also stepped up when it mattered most, scoring six of her 10 points in the third. Fischer (8), Gann (4), Paisleigh Carr (4), and Cadence Kennedy (2) provided the late-game points necessary to hold off Covenant Christian.
