By Michael Lindsay
The White County Warriors are region champions for the first time since 2015 as they defeated Stone Memorial in Wednesday’s Region 4-3A championship game at Tennessee Tech, 70-48.
“I’m just so proud of those guys,” said White County head coach Eric Mitchell. “They’ve worked all year; everything that can happen in basketball’s happened to them. Good teams play their best when their best is required. Their best has been required in the tournament, and they’ve done it.”
White County (23-11) has won 9 of their last 10 games including a District 7-3A semifinal victory over Stone Memorial (25-6) and Wednesday’s region title victory over the Panthers.
“Coach (Neil) Capps does a great job with those guys and they’ve got the two best players in the district,” Mitchell said. “They pummeled us twice in the regular season.”
White County’s championship berth almost didn’t happen as they won a down-to-the-wire region semifinal game over Lawrence County about 24 hours prior to Wednesday’s championship game.
“I was a little worried about playing back-to-back, and it didn’t hurt us at all,” Mitchell said. “They came out and didn’t miss a beat.”
White County was led by sophomore point guard Tripp Pinion, who posted 20 points in the victory. Seniors Jake Davis and Tomas Paul also hit double figures with 16 and 15 points respectively.
Stone Memorial was led by 18 points from District 7-3A MVP Matthew Bilbrey.
White County never trailed as they jumped out to a 12-2 lead via a Davis three-pointer with 4:24 left in the first period.
Stone Memorial cut White County’s lead to 6 points (12-6) via a Bilbrey basket late in the first before Sparta went on a 7-0 run to end the frame ahead 19-6.
White County’s dominance continued in the second period as a Pinion three-pointer pushed the Warrior lead to 28-12 with 2:01 left until halftime. White County led 30-16 at the break.
Sparta’s lead grew to 21 points (41-19) midway through the third period as they led 46-24 entering the fourth quarter. White County closed strong to win by a 70-48 final score.
I’m so proud of them,” Mitchell added. “They’re super kids and all buddies. It’s awesome to be around.”
White County’s region championship victory has earned the Warriors a home Class 3A sectional game on Monday, March 6, with a state tournament berth on the line. White County will host the loser of the Region 3-3A championship between Fulton and Austin-East.
“It’s going to be fantastic; our students showed up tonight and were great,” Mitchell said. “We need it packed out and loud. Roy Sewell has a different roar than most gyms.”
Stone Memorial will travel to the winner of the Fulton/AE game.
