Bobcats hang on in the fourth to win at Murphy

With four Bobcats in double-digit scoring, the Gilmer boys basketball team managed to fend off the home-team Murphy Bulldogs and earn the 58-52 win on the road Thursday, Dec. 5.

Gilmer (4-1, 1-0 Region 6-4A) was led by junior Braden Jenkins, who scored 16 points, including sixth in the fourth on a made basket and 4-of-5 shooting from the free-throw line.

Jenkins was followed by sophomores Lewis Mulkey and Cade Carter, who scored 14 points each in the win. Mulkey came on strong in the fourth, scoring 10 of his points to keep the Bobcats in the lead.

Junior Brady Sanford added 13 points in the victory for Gilmer.

Luke Wimpey hit a free throw to round out the scoring for the Bobcats.

Gilmer took a 14-9 lead at the end of the first quarter, but the home team Bulldogs poured in 21 points in the second to take a 30-28 lead into the break.

The Gilmer defense came to work in the third quarter, pressing full-court and forcing several turnover while limiting the Bulldogs to just five points in the period.

The two teams traded baskets and fouls in the fourth as the game turned physical. The Bobcats managed to keep the Bulldogs just out of contention late as they pulled away for the six-point win.

Gilmer is off this weekend. The Bobcats next take the floor for a home game against region-foe Heritage beginning at 7:30 p.m., Tuesday, Dec. 10.

After that, the team visits Ridgeland for another Region 6-4A game Friday, Dec. 13, beginning at 8:30 p.m.