By Michael Lindsay
The Livingston Academy Wildcats picked up their biggest win of the season Friday evening as they defeated UC #1-ranked Stone Memorial, 63-53.
Friday’s victory avenges Livingston’s 82-38 loss to Stone Memorial earlier in the season.
A balanced scoring effort led Livingston Academy (23-4, 9-3) as Isaac Story posted 14 points, followed by 13 from Cole Harris and 11 by Wyatt Hargis. Stone Memorial (22-4, 11-1) was led by 22 points from Matthew Bilbrey and 15 by Cade Capps.
LA held a narrow 15-12 lead after the first quarter and went into the locker room up 32-28 at halftime.
Stone Memorial caught Livingston in the third quarter as the Panthers led 38-36 before LA closed the half strong to hold a 42-39 advantage going into the fourth quarter.
A pair of SMHS free throws early in the fourth brought the Panthers within one point (42-41) before Livingston’s Cole Harris finished an and-one and Easton Goodpasture nailed back-t0-back baskets to give LA a 49-41 lead with less than 6 minutes remaining.
Stone Memorial would get no closer than 6 points (51-45) as the Wildcats made 13 of their 17 fourth-quarter free throws to seal the 63-53 victory.
Despite the loss, Stone Memorial still holds the District 7AAA overall #1 seed. Livingston Academy will be the #2 seed in next week’s district tournament.
Livingston Academy (63): Isaac Story 14, Cole Harris 13, Wyatt Hargis 11, Easton Goodpasture 9, Daniel Bilbrey 5, Brodey Coffee 1
Stone Memorial (53): Matthew Bilbrey 22, Cade Capps 15, Blake Holt 8, Brady Lane 4, Conner Bowman 2