The Pickett County Bobcats advanced to the semifinal round of the state tournament with a 63-56 win over the Cosby Eagles on Wednesday at the Murphy Center in Murfreesboro.
The Bobcats survived a slow start as they extended their season in their first appearance in the state tournament since 2005.
“I think it says a lot for our program,” said PCHS head coach Joseph Amonett. “It’s been 16 years since the boys have been at the state tournament. For us to be back where we are, to be back in the semifinal, it says a lot.”
The Eagles raced out to an 8-0 lead using the size of the 6’7” Riley Galler in the lane. The Bobcats answered with a 10-0 run of their own, including seven points by Zach Amonett. The Bobcats trailed 11-10 after one.
“This is a team that’s built on adversity,” said coach Amonett. “They’re a tenured team. At this point in the season, with what these young men have dealt with, we don’t panic.”
The teams then battled, trading baskets through the opening half of the second quarter. The Bobcats created some separation when Zach Amonett made a layup to stretch a lead to 28-23. He then added four more to make it 32-25. The Eagles ended the quarter with four straight to give the Bobcats a 32-29 lead at halftime.
The teams traded baskets throughout the third quarter. Will Amonett buried two threes to give the Bobcats a 46-41 lead late in the frame, but the Eagles responded with a triple of their own. Hunter Wattenbarger made a free throw to give the Bobcats a 47-44 lead at the end of the third.
The Eagles tied the game with a three-point-play with 5:19 to play, but Zach and Will Amonett each hit threes to regain a six-point advantage. Slayde Copeland then made a layup to extend the lead to eight. Zach Amonett made four free throws in the final minute as the Bobcats secured the win.
“If you want to know how we won tonight, it’s because we defended,” said coach Amonett. “We got in gaps. We didn’t let their guards score.”
Zach Amonett led all scorers with 27 points and seven rebounds. Will Amonett added 16 points, including four three pointers. Wattenbarger scored eight points and seven rebounds. Copeland and Caleb Lowhorn each tallied six points.
“My teammates found me in great open spots, and I just knocked them down tonight” said Will Amonett.
The win marked the Bobcats’ first win in the tournament since 2000.
They will now turn their attention towards a semifinal matchup against the Memphis Academy of Health Sciences Lions. Tipoff is set for 11:30 a.m. on Friday at the Murphy Center.
Photos by Noah McKay:
