By Michael Lindsay
2023 is off to a winning start for the #2 Stone Memorial Panthers as they defeated District 7AAA foe White County on Tuesday, 57-42.
The Panthers (13-2) improved to 3-0 in district play in their first post-holiday tournament contest.
“Sparta is a really good team and well-coached,” said Stone Memorial head coach Neil Capps. “We knew it was going to be a dogfight.
“I was really proud of our guys for not panicking when they slowed the ball down,” he added. “I was really pleased with our defensive effort. Holding an offensive team like that to 42 points, I was pleased with that.”
Stone Memorial was led in scoring by senior guard Matthew Bilbrey, who posted 19 points in the win. All-state sophomore Cade Capps scored 16, followed by senior guard Blake Holt with 13.
For White County, Thomas Brock led with 11 points along with 10 from Tomas Paul.
“Tomas Paul can flat-out go, and we knew he was going to be a chore,” coach Capps said. “We followed the scouting report really well. In the second and third quarters, we held them to 10 points.”
Despite the 15-point Stone Memorial victory, it was White County who held an 11-8 lead after one quarter. The Panthers then locked in defensively, holding the Warriors to 4 second-period points to take a 19-15 lead at halftime.
After the break, Stone Memorial’s lockdown defense continued as they pushed their advantage out to 34-21 by the end of the third quarter.
“You have to make adjustments; we started boxing out better and were cleaner with the ball in the second half,” Capps said. “When you’re pushing the ball, you’re forcing them to sprint back and survive and you’re going to find some open people.”
Stone Memorial closed out strong in the fourth quarter to win by a 57-42 margin.
White County (9-7, 1-2) is still looking to find its footing as they’ve now lost five consecutive games. The Warriors host rival Cookeville (11-4) on Friday in non-district play.
Up next for the Panthers is a massive district showdown at #3 Upperman (11-2, 2-0). The Bees won at Macon County Tuesday, 52-37.
“I told the guys they can enjoy the game tonight, but I can’t enjoy it for long,” Capps said. “We have to continue to work on Upperman. They’re a fantastic team, and they’re going to be physical. Going into that place is going to be a tough chore for us. It’s an opportunity we look forward to; Upperman does things the right way.”
Stone Memorial (57): Matthew Bilbrey 19, Cade Capps 16, Blake Holt 13, Brady Lane 4, Preston Mayberry 3, Wyatt Grothe 2
White County (42): Thomas Brock 11, Tomas Paul 10, Tripp Pinion 8, Japheth Richmond 5, Christian Henderson 5, Logan Dickerson 3
