MURFREESBORO – The Stone Memorial Panthers secured a trip to the final four in a 77-64 win against Bolton in the quarterfinal round of the TSSAA Class AAA Boys’ Basketball State Tournament on Tuesday at the Murphy Center.
The Panthers used a strong second half performance to advance to the semifinal round.
“It was a very gritty effort,” said SMHS head coach Neil Capps. “Bolton did a real good job. I just want to compliment Bolton and the season they had. I’m really excited for my guys. It was very physical and sped up… I love the way my guys were able to handle it and continue to make plays. I couldn’t be more proud of the group of kids.”
The upstart Wildcats raced out to a 10-2 lead, but the Panthers answered out of a timeout with a 15-5 run as Matthew Bilbrey made two free throws in the final minute to give Stone a 17-5 lead.
The Wildcats opened the second with a 7-2 run to regain a lead. Freshman star Cade Capps then hit a triple to give Stone a 24-22 lead. The teams then traded buckets, with Bolton getting a layup with five seconds left to take a 31-30 lead into halftime.
The Panthers dominated the third quarter as they adjusted to Bolton’s speed. Bilbrey scored nine points in the frame as the Panthers took a commanding 58-42 lead into the final quarter.
The Wildcats responded in the fourth, scoring 11 straight points to make it 65-60, but the Panthers scored 12 out of the final 16 points in the game to secure the victory.
“I think we finally got over the excitement and the overwhelming effect of being in a state tournament for the first time ever,” said coach Capps on the second half effort. “Getting over the emotion of it… was the biggest thing. After that, it doesn’t matter where you’re at. It’s just basketball.”
The Panthers were led by Cade Capps’ 24 points and seven rebounds. Bilbrey tallied 23 points, nine rebounds and six assists. Whittenburg tallied a double-double with 11 points and 12 rebounds.
The Panthers will take on defending state champion Greeneville in the semifinal round of the tournament.
“Greeneville does things right,” said coach Capps. “They’ve got a great culture over there. They’re just really good. They play the game the right way. It’s going to be a chore. We’re excited for the opportunity.”
Tipoff is set for 10 a.m. Friday at the Murphy Center in Murfreesboro.
Photos by Rusty Ellis:
