Fannin Falls by Three

The Fannin County Rebels hosted the Leopards of Banks County on a night when their coach had suffered a mild a heart attack. The Rebels gave the crowd a heart stopping close game in which they ended up on the losing side of a 50-47 game.Despite 19 points from senior Tyler McClure and Banks county being in the penalty before the end of the first quarter, the Rebels could not overcome a 13 point half time deficit (34-21). The Leopards had a 13 rebound (39-26) advantage as well.
The game began with Banks County going on a 7-1 run, including a three point play converted by Jacob Blalock, which featured an NBA style continuation. The Rebels responded with a 8-2 run of their own to tie the game at nine apiece. The Leopards responded back with a 13-4 run to close the quarter giving them a 22-13 lead, despite already acquiring 10 team fouls which saw the home team shooting two free throws with every foul starting with 1:15 left in the first quarter.

Banks continued to further their lead with multiple second chance shots, combined with a stifling zone defense that frustrated the home team Rebels. The Leopards were able to limit the Rebels to a plethora of one and done possessions as well.

The Rebels played much better in the second half as they methodically ate into the visiting team’s lead throughout the half. The Rebels outscored the Leopards 14-8 in the third quarter, including a break away dunk by McClure which caused the home crowd to erupt in ‘fandemonium.’ The Rebels’ full court press caused several turnovers that led to points for the home team.

Down 42-36 going into the fourth quarter, the Rebels were able to cut the lead down several times twice to three, and once to two (49-47) with 15.9 seconds left in the game. Adam Hinten broke the Rebels’ hearts when he stole the inbounds pass and made one of two free throws to seal the win for the visitors.