Sunbright Lady Tigers Defeat Oliver Springs for Third Place

By Terry Futrell

The difference between third and fourth place may not seem like much, but in District 3-1A girls basketball, fourth place is like a kiss of death. The fourth place finisher must travel to Tellico Plains to face the eleventh ranked Lady Bears and almost certain defeat. With more than a little determination, the Sunbright Lady Tigers fought for a 45-37 victory over Oliver Springs and a third place finish in the District 3-1A consolation game.

Sunbright quickly took a 7-2 lead over the Lady Cats, only to see Oliver Springs fight back and tie the score 7-7 with 3:46 remaining in the first period. Oliver Springs led 12-10 going into the second quarter and built its lead to 16-10 before the Sunbright offense could respond. The Lady Tigers regained the lead at 17-16 with 1:22 remaining in the half. Oliver Springs regained the lead seconds later and took a 24-20 advantage into the locker room at halftime.

The Lady Tigers caught up with the Lady Cats and tied the score at 31-31 with 1:29 remaining in the third quarter and led 35-33 at the end of three. Sunbright built a seven-point advantage at 40-33 in the first two minutes of the fourth quarter. The Lady Tigers then had a three-minute scoring drought, but held Oliver Springs to two points and maintained a 40-35 lead. Sunbright added five more points in the last three minutes of the game while limiting the Lady Cats to two points. Sunbright earned a 45-37 victory over Oliver Springs and third place in the District 3-1A tournament.

Sunbright’s Makenna Brown led all scorers with 15 points, while Ashton Brown added eight points for the Lady Tigers. Oliver Springs was led by Laci Hester with 14 points and Cassidy Gilmore with 12 points.

Sunbright travels to Lookout Valley Friday evening for regional play, while the Lady Cats must face Tellico Plains Friday evening.