Sevier County spoils Trojans’ district streak

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MORRISTOWN — Morristown West lost their undefeated district record Friday night as the Sevier County Bears locked up a win late in the fourth quarter, 62–51.

The loss caused West to fall to 9-9 for the season and 2-1 in district play.

Two Trojans led the pack with double digits. Jalen McCullough scored 15 points and Rylin King followed close behind with 13.

Bricyn Gudger chipped in with nine points, followed by Alban Oruglica with six, Bereket Evans with four and both Tory House and Ty Steisslinger with two each.

The lead changed back and forth throughout the first three quarters, as both teams scored consistently. The lead differed by only two points or less most of the game until the last four minutes of play.

King and McCullough both scored six in the first half, followed by Gudger with five, Evans with four and Oruglica with three. West led by two at the half, and kept the fire throughout the third quarter.

West kept the baskets coming at the beginning of the second half as McCullough scored six, King scored four and House and Almonte each scored two. The Trojans led by one at the end of the third, 39–38.

In the fourth quarter, Sevier used free throws to their advantage to take the game to a close. Of the 24 free throws shot in the fourth quarter, 20 of them were shot by Sevier. This helped the Bears go on an 11-point scoring run in two-and-a-half minutes. Sevier ended up outscoring West 24–12 in the fourth quarter, securing the 62–51 win.

“I am very disappointed. That was an opportunity at home to win a conference game that got away from us,” Morristown West head coach Joe Dobyns said.

Dobyns also mentioned his disappointment in the team’s lack of poise, especially late in the game.

“We didn’t have the poise that we needed to have … They came in with more poise and handled the situation better than we did.” Dobyns said.

The Trojans will try to find their way back into winning territory Tuesday night as they host Northview Academy. Tip-off is set for 7:30 p.m.

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