CLINTON, Tenn. | It’s hard to beat an evenly-matched team three times in one season.
That’s the old adage in sports. But for Scott High on Thursday, it was offensive woes — not a third meeting with its budding rival — that doomed the night, as the Highlanders fell 48-39 to Anderson County in the District 4-3A semifinals at Clinton High School.
The Highlanders had beaten the Mavericks and their former coach on each team’s home floor in the regular season. But in the one that mattered most, Anderson County picked up the win on the neutral floor to deny Scott High an opportunity to host a region tournament game for the first time in 25 years.
Grey Todd scored 17 points, including five 3-pointers, but he was the only player in double figures for the Highlanders, and only one other player scored more than four points.
Rebounds were also an issue for Scott. Brady Strunk had nine, but no one else had more than five.
Scott Jeffers had a team-high four assists.
It was a disastrous start for Scott High, with ugly offensive basketball leading to a 15-5 deficit early.
Then the Highlanders turned it around, going on an 18-4 run to lead 23-19 at halftime.
Things were looking good until Anderson County jumped into a press midway through the third quarter, and the Highlanders struggled mightily the rest of the way. Scott turned the ball over 21 times, and watched Anderson County go to the free throw line 16 times compared to just five trips for the Highlanders — a result of AC’s aggressiveness in attacking the rim.
Scott attempted nearly as many 3-point shots —21 — as 2-point shots — 22 — but hit only six of them. Overall, the Highlanders shot 35%.
The loss means the Highlanders will face the loser of Halls and Clinton in the district consolation game at 7:30pm Monday, and will travel in the region quarterfinals on Feb. 25 — likely to Northview Academy or Carter.
SCOTT (48): Todd 17, Garrett 8, Jeffers 4, Strunk 4, Woodward 4, Babb 2.
ANDERSON CO. (39): T. Russell 14, Dake 10, Craig 9, Dooley 6, Nelson 4, Strickland 2, C. Russell 1.
