REGION CHAMPS: Parker Patterson Drops 32 Points As Jackson County Defeats Pickett County In Region 4-1A Title Game

By Michael Lindsay

The Jackson County Blue Devils (28-5) and Pickett County Bobcats (29-5) met on the hardwood for the fourth time on Thursday, this time with the Region 4-1A championship on the line as Jackson County overcame a 10-point deficit to win the region title, 78-62.

“I thought we did a great job on the defensive end,” said Jackson County head coach Kevin Thomas. “The kids played so poised and didn’t turn the ball over or make silly mistakes. Offensively, I thought we played really efficient.”

Senior guard Parker Patterson posted 32 points to lead the Blue Devils followed by 26 from senior center and Mr. Basketball finalist Will McCrary and 13 by Alex Meadows. Nathaniel Cobb led Pickett County with 19 points followed by 16 from Cole Amonett and 11 by Kelvin Cobb.

Pickett County jumped out to a 14-11 lead after one quarter and extended their advantage to 24-14 via an Amonett layup with 5:25 remaining in the second period. Facing a double-digit deficit, Jackson County went to work as they reeled off a 10-2 run over the ensuing 1:50 to pull within a possession at 26-24. Pickett County held a 30-27 lead at halftime.

“We were letting them get to their right side a lot,” said Thomas. “But we kept battling, made a few plays and Will scored some buckets. Parker got us right back into it with those three-pointers.”

An Aden Netherton three-pointer to open the second half tied the game at 30-30 before a Meadows putback gave Jackson County a 32-30 lead. The Blue Devils led by 7 points (45-38) late in the frame before Colt Loftis stepped in off the bench and hit a buzzer-beating three-pointer to put Jackson County up 48-38 entering the fourth quarter.

“Colt’s three-pointer there was huge,” said Thomas. “And Skyler Stacy was getting rebounds and taking care of the ball well. Those 2 kids came in and we didn’t have any letdown. I tell them every day that you never know when your opportunity’s going to be there and tonight it was.”

Pickett County cut their deficit to 7 points (54-47) with 4:55 remaining, but the Bobcats got no closer as Jackson County led by as many as 19 points (75-56) down the stretch en route to a 78-62 victory.

Up next for each team is the Class 1A sectional round with a state tournament berth on the line Monday. Pickett County will travel to South Pittsburg (21-5) while Jackson County will host Van Buren County (14-17).

“It’s so exciting for those kids,” said Thomas. “It’s a memory you always have; there’s nothing like getting to play at home in the substate game. I think Van Buren will bring a big crowd and it’ll be a great atmosphere.”