The Gilmer County Bobcats lost a tough road game to the Fannin County Rebels 59-51, despite leading at the half and going into the fourth quarter. The Bobcats were done in by the stellar shooting of Fannin point guard, senior Chris McNerney who’s 24 points was the game high. Gilmer junior Ryan Lowery led all Bobcats scorers with 16 points.The Bobcats were down 6-2 early after two consecutive three pointers by the Rebels, but were able to the tie the game 8-8 with three minutes left in the first quarter. The teams battled to almost a stalemate, with the Bobcats taking a 13-12 lead into the second quarter.

The game was tied 15-15 after a minute into the second quarter, when the Bobcats reeled off 12 straight points to take a 27-15 lead. The Rebels responded with a 10-0 run of their own enabling them go into the half down four, 29-25.

Junior Nathan Voyles #42 on defense
(Photo by LT Melton)

The half began with two straight baskets from Lowery to push the lead up to eight. Fannin responded with two consecutive baskets of their own, one a three by McNerney. The teams took turns trading leads throughout the quarter, until Gilmer took a 41-39 lead into the fourth.

The wheels came off for the Bobcats in the final quarter, when the host Rebels used a 12-4 lead to take the final lead of the game. Gilmer cut the lead to five with 45.3 seconds left in the game on two free throws by sophomore Drew Parks, however, the Rebels were able to make all of their late game free throws to seal the win.

Junior Austin White tries to inbound the ball in front of television crew
(Photo by LT Melton)