Claiborne High School hosted Union County for three games of basketball, February 13. The first game was a junior varsity boys’ game, and these two teams put on a great show from the start. The Patriots made a late first period run that allowed them to move out to a 22-16 first period lead. Claiborne struggled with the Union press during the start of the second period, and with four minutes remaining in the opening half, the Bulldogs were down by nine points, 29-20. Union County led at the half 40-29. The TNT Primary Dance Team performed a routine at the half. Union kept their advantage around 10-points during the third period and led going into the final period 60-51. Claiborne closed to within two points midway through the final period, but the Patriots made a run and won 80-66.
Claiborne was led in scoring by Brayden Painter with 38 points. Hunter Greer had nine, Kris Ford and Aden Roark both had six points, Drew Epperson had four, Kaden Willams had two, and Lukas Thomas had one. Union was led by Eli with 38 points.
Next on the floor were the Lady Bulldogs and Lady Patriots in varsity girl’s actions, both teams were ice-cold when this one started. Claiborne finally broke the ice and scored down in the paint. Union County led in a slow scoring contest 9-8 after one period of play. The Lady Bulldogs came out in the second with a press that helped them get easy chances on the offensive end. With three minutes remaining in the half, Claiborne held a one-point lead at 16-15. Claiborne extended their advantage out to nine and led at the half, 25-16. The Claiborne Cheer Team performed during the break. Coming out of the locker room, Claiborne was a different team and quickly ran away from the Lady Patriots on the scoreboard. At the end of the third period, Claiborne led by 21 at 41-20. The Lady Bulldogs stayed strong during the final period and came away with a senior night win by the final score of 57-26. Leading Claiborne in scoring was Hannah Fugate with 24, Emma Myatt had nine, Jordan Fultz also had nine, Allie Jones had seven, Taylor Pressnell had six, and Genesis Bailey scored two. Union was led by Taryn Carter with 12.
The Heartland Real Estate players of the game were the seniors, Hannah Fugate, Taylor Pressnell, Emma Myatt, Jordan Fultz and Addie Brooks. Congratulations, seniors!
The senior members of the basketball teams and cheerleaders were recognized during a celebration between the games.
The final game on the court at Carl Green Gymnasium featured the varsity boys. Claiborne and Union went back and forth during the first portion of the opening period. At 3:19, the two teams were tied at 10. Union jumped ahead and led the game 22-17 at the end of one. The Patriots went on a big run during the second period and scored inside and out. At the half, the visiting Patriots led 40-28.
Claiborne named their sports queen during the halftime break. The queen was Abigail Daniels, and the princess was Makayla Roton.
Back to basketball, Claiborne made a run and kept Union honest. A baseline move and following slam dunk by Bulldog Ethan Cupp energized the home crowd, but the Patriots stayed out front and led the game after three periods 59-50. The Bulldogs needed to score and do it fast during the final period. Claiborne got it down to six points nearing the six-minute mark but after two Claiborne empty possessions, Union County led again by double figures, 67-55. The Union County defense made sure there wasn’t another big run by the Bulldogs, and the Patriots took home the win at 85-64. Claiborne was led in scoring by Ethan Cupp with 24. Brennan Fugate had 14, Brady Hamlin had six, Jake Smith had four, Stephen Thomas and CJ Cox both had three points, Vince Bolden, Evan Thomas, Kaden Williams and Cole Holt all finished with two points each. Union County was led in scoring by Max Richardson with 30, Bryson Merrill had 18, Cole Nease had 16 and Ty Edds had 11 and Braxton Buckner had 10 points.
Tyler Myatt, Brennan Fugate, Ethan Short and Stephen Thomas were the Danny England Motors Players of the Game. Congratulations seniors!
Watch the Claiborne High School Cheerleaders perform their halftime routine.
The TNT Dancers:
The Zone is powered by:
