Harriman Defeats Oliver Springs for Region 2-A Crown
It was a battle that electrified fans from both communities – District 3-A champion Oliver Springs Bobcats facing off against District 4-A champion Harriman Blue Devils for the Region 2-A championship. While both teams had already earned a berth in sectional play, the winner would get the advantage of playing at home and the loser would have to travel more than 100 miles to face the Region 1 winner.
Perhaps even more important was the community pride at stake in the cross-county rivalry. It was not surprising to see the Harriman gym packed to capacity with supporters of both teams. Many who closely follow local high school basketball expected a barnburner, and they were not disappointed. Both teams fought with determination and displayed unbelievable basketball skills, but it was the Blue Devils who pulled ahead in the last few minutes of play for a 64-56 victory over Oliver Springs.
On a smaller scale, the battle was really between two giants, although one was almost a foot taller than the other. Oliver Springs was led by Keaton McDonald, the point guard who is not tall by any means. But when it comes to basketball skills, McDonald is a giant who ranks with the best. In the battle with Harriman, McDonald was seemingly unstoppable, pouring in 13 baskets from practically every spot on the court, including four 3-point baskets. Some of McDonald’s baskets while driving the lane were almost beyond belief.
Across the battle line was Harriman’s Jordan McCullum, giant in both stature and in basketball skills. Although listed as a power forward, McCullum spends much of his time out front directing the actions of his team. Like McDonald, McCullum also has some nifty moves driving the lane and can shoot from outside. It was given that both McDonald and McCullum would be major players in this battle, but the outcome would likely depend on the support of their teammates.
Harriman took the lead early in the first, but the Bobcats stayed with them. The score was tied three times in the period, and the lead changed twice. Carter Smith buried three treys for the Blue Devils, and Nick Pelfrey added one. Xavier Hickman was a beast under the basket and scored four buckets. McDonald hit two treys and two 2-point baskets for 10 points in the quarter. Tanner Melton also hit a 3-pointer and added two free throws for five points. The game was tied with 45 seconds remaining, but Harriman added another 3-point basket to lead 20-17.
Oliver Springs got on the board first in the second quarter, but Harriman pulled away to lead by eight, 27-19 at 6:11. The Bobcats refused to go down and tied the score at 32-32 with 54 seconds remaining in the half. Each team added another basket, and the score was tied 34-34 at the half. McCullum and Talan Moore each scored five points for Harriman in the quarter. McDonald put eight points on the board for the Bobcats, and Michael Tuck added five points.
Harriman kicked off scoring in the second half, but Oliver Springs tied the score at 38-38 with 4:23 on the clock. Again, Harriman pulled away to a 45-38 lead at 2:21, but the Bobcats closed the gap 45-43 at 1:50. Harriman held the lead and closed out the quarter leading 49-45. McCullum scored five points for the Blue Devils, Hickman added four points, and Camyan Campbell got on the board with three points. McDonald continued to magically drive the lane and scored four baskets, and Melton added another trey.
Harriman quickly moved out to a 52-45 lead in the fourth when Moore buried a trey. Slowly, the Bobcats fought their way back and tied the score 56-56 with 2:14 remaining in the game. The Bobcats would not find the basket again, and Harriman pulled away to win the game and the Region 2-1A championship by a score of 64-56. McDonald led Oliver Springs with five points in the quarter, and Bryson Marler, Melton, and Kane Gouge each added a basket. Moore carried the load for the Blue Devils with seven points in the final period. McCullum added four points, and Pelfrey and Matthew Scarbrough each added two points.
McCullum and Hickman combined for 30 points inside for Harriman (16 points and 14 points), while Moore and Smith each added 12 points for a balanced attack. McDonald carried the load for the Bobcats and led all scorers with 31 points, while Melton added 10 points for Oliver Springs.
Harriman will host a tough Hampton team Monday evening in sectional play, and Oliver Springs travels to North Greene. Section winners will advance to the state tournament and the season will end for the losers.