The Gilmer Bobcats had no answer in a contest, that was anything but, for Max Sims the Walker Wolverines. Sims had a game high 13 points, as well as four assists, most of which went to Ashwyn Mathaiah, who help slice and dice the Bobcats en route to a 54-38 route that was no where near as close as the final score indicated. The game started as a defensive struggle with neither team scoring in the first three minutes of play. Sims opened the scoring with two three pointers that gave the Wolverines a six point lead. The home team never got closer than that.

The Wolverines dominated the glass with a 27-15 overall rebound advantage. Mathaiah was unstoppable, cleaning glass like a storefront owner sale day. He led in the category, with eight total, four in the first quarter alone.

Bobcats Pregame Warm Up
(Photo by LT Melton)

The Bobcats were unable to get many second shot opportunities and struggled to get good first looks, against the Wolverine’s zone defense. The ridiculously sticky man to man defense of the Wolverines was also frustrating the Bobcats as they were held to four points in the first while giving up 10.

The Wolverines continued to push their lead, while holding their opponents scoreless for long periods of time. The home team did not reach double digits on the score board until Ryan Lowery, who lead the Bobcats with 11 points, hit two free throws with 2.4 seconds left in the half. The Wolverines led 27-10 at the half.

The Wolverines continued fighting in the second half, as if Charles Xavier himself was in attendance, while the home team drew the ire of the few fans in the stands, due to lack of energy and effort. The Bobcats and began to pick up frustration fouls and only mustered three points until just under a minute was left in the third quarter. Reserves, Connor Webber, and J.B. Charles scored on a driving lay up and quarter ending buzzer beating jumper respectively, in the last 30 seconds of the quarter.

Bobcats Huddle
(Photo by LT Melton)

With a 45-17 lead to start the fourth quarter, the Wolverines cleared the bench while the Bobcats followed suit. The Wolverines back ups managed only 11 points, but the Bobcats bench, led by “Tracy Morgan Hustle Man Award” winner Webber, whose tenacious defense, regardless of score, saw him end up with three steals and the Bobcats score 21 points in the final quarter.