On Parks and Recreation Night, when all of those who participate in the youth basketball program were honored, the Gilmer High Bobcats showed the visiting Warriors of White County that they were not playing around, as they waxed the Warriors 56-33.The game began with both teams struggling to score as they both packed the lane with zone defense. The lone highlight of the quarter came on, Kentucky football signee, Ashley Lowery’s alley oop catch and tip in. The first quarter ended with Lowery’s Warriors up 6-4.

After consecutive baskets by the Warriors the Bobcats went on a 5-0 run that had them down by one 10-9. After a White County tip in the Bobcats took the lead for good on back to back three pointers by Drew Parks. That would spark a 9-0 run to end the half culminating with a three pointer at the buzzer by Ryan Lowery, whose 17 points lead all scorers.

Aaron Evans Cutting to Basket
(Photo by LT Melton)

The second half started the same way the first ended, with the Bobcats applied defensive pressure, forcing turnovers, and scoring on offense. The Warriors did not score until nearly three minutes had passed in the quarter and their hosts had scored 20 unanswered points, giving the Bobcats a 32-14 lead. Back to back Parks pocket picks allowed the home team to take a 40-22 lead into the fourth quarter.
At the five minute mark, visiting coach Mark Darrell pulled his whole five on the court and told the subs,

“I want energy and I want toughness!”

The home town Bobcats took no mercy on the subs, as they continued to harass on defense and score at will on offense. The highlight of the game came after Lowery acquired his lone steal of the game and raced up the floor for a breakaway dunk that caused “fandemonium” in the crowd. With just over one minute left the Bobcats cleared the bench and cruised to the 56-33 victory.

Bobcats Half Court Defense
(Photo by LT Melton)