DISTRICT 7-1A TOURNAMENT: Pickett County, Jackson County Boys Advance To Championship Game Via Semifinal Victories

By Michael Lindsay

The top two seeds in the District 7-1A tournament handled business Friday night as #1 seed Pickett County and #2 Jackson County won their respective semifinal matchups against Clay County and Clarkrange to set up Tuesday’s district championship game.

#1 Pickett County vs. #4 Clay County

The Class 1A #2-ranked Pickett County Bobcats (27-3, 8-0) cruised to a 79-54 victory over Clay County in the District 7-1A semifinals on Friday as all five starters scored in double figures in the win.

Nathaniel Cobb led the way with 20 points followed by 17 from Cole Amonett, 15 by Brody Pryor, 11 from Abram Phillips and 10 by Kelvin Cobb. Nolan Adams led Clay County with 22 points along with 11 by Warner Melton.

Clay County held a 5-2 lead with 4:45 remaining in the first quarter before Pickett County reeled off a 20-4 run over the final 4:30 of the first quarter to lead 22-9 entering the second quarter. The Bulldogs cut their deficit to 7 points (31-24) late in the third period before Pickett County pushed back ahead by double figures by halftime, 40-29.

Pickett County put the game out of reach in the third quarter as they poured in 27 points in the frame to lead 67-41 entering the fourth, where they cruised to win by a 79-54 final score.

Up next for Pickett County is the District 7-1A tournament championship against #2 seed Jackson County on Tuesday at 8 p.m. while Clay County will face Clarkrange in the consolation game at 6:30.

#2 Jackson County vs. #3 Clarkrange

Jackson County held off Clarkrange in the second game of the night as the #2-seeded Blue Devils defeated the Buffaloes, 46-43.

Class 1A Mr. Basketball finalist Will McCrary led the Blue Devils with 18 points followed by 15 from Aden Netherton and 11 by Alex Meadows. Bryton Swallows led Clarkrange with 11 points along with 10 by JD Bristol and 9 by Braxton Sears.

Jackson County led 12-9 after one quarter before Clarkrange took a 13-12 lead via a Bristol jumper with 4:05 remaining in the second period. The teams traded baskets through the final 4 minutes of the first half and were knotted at 21 points each entering halftime.

The game was knotted at 26 points each before back-to-back three-pointers from Netherton and Isaiah Thomas gave the Blue Devils a 32-26 lead with 1:09 remaining in the third period. Jackson County took a 33-29 lead into the fourth quarter, where they stretched their lead out to 7 points (36-29) with 7:27 remaining in the contest.

The Blue Devils led Clarkrange by at least two possessions throughout fourth quarter until Clarkrange hit a three-pointer at the buzzer to make the final score 46-43.

Up next for Jackson County is the District 7-1A tournament championship against #1 seed Pickett County on Tuesday at 8 p.m. while Clarkrange will face Clay County in the consolation game at 6:30.