Business Handled: Jackson County Advances To Class 2A Semifinals With Win Over Hampton

Jackson County vs Hampton

State Tournament coverage presented by Risher Roofing

Story by Noah McKay

MURFREESBORO – The Jackson County Blue Devils advanced to the semifinal round of the Class 1A state tournament with a 53-41 win over Hampton on Thursday at the Murphy Center.

The Blue Devils survived a slow start with a 24-point double-double by Will McCrary enroute to their second straight semifinal appearance, this year in Class 1A.

“We played a very good Hampton team,” said JCHS head coach Kevin Thomas. “In the first quarter they dictated the tempo… and then we settled down and we were able to run some things. I thought that settled us down and we played better throughout the game.”

The Bulldogs went on a 6-0 run late in the first quarter to take a 14-8 lead before the Blue Devils answered with a three by Aden Netherton and a jumper by Class 1A Mr. Basketball McCrary to cut the deficit to 14-13 after 1.

The Blue Devil offense found its rhythm in the second quarter, ending the frame on a 14-3 run with the help of eight Parker Patterson points to take a 31-24 lead into halftime.

“It was huge to separate us there,” said Thomas. “We’ve got to have that out of (Patterson).”

McCrary rattled off six straight points in the third to stretch the lead to 37-26, but the Bulldogs answered with a 6-0 run to cut it to 39-34 after three.

The experienced Blue Devils pulled away in the fourth, converting six free throws enroute to the 12-point victory.

“It’s the state tournament… tough,” said Thomas. “But the kids settled in and I thought they did a nice job.”

McCrary led the game with 24 points and 10 rebounds.

“I knew we had to move the ball and play together,” said McCrary. “The mentality was just sharing the ball, moving the ball and getting the best possible shot.”

Patterson tallied 12 points with five rebounds. Alex Meadows tallied 10 points with six rebounds. Netherton added five points and four rebounds.

The Blue Devils will face Memphis Middle College in the state semifinals. MMC was a 49-42 winner over Wayne County. Tipoff Friday is set for 8:45 p.m. and UCR will have comprehensive coverage from the Murphy Center.

“They sure blocked a lot of shots tonight,” said Thomas on MMC. “Their length and quickness is going to be a factor. We’re just going to have to play under control and poised.”