Panthers Triumph in Alabama ONE Cherokee Basketball: Heading into the Alabama ONE Cherokee Basketball Classic opener in Sand Rock, Coach Jon Tidmore of Collinsville faced uncertainty about the Cherokee County Warriors’ performance. Warrior coach Caleb Hays shared the sentiment, given that it was Cherokee County’s inaugural game of the season.
Tidmore’s strategy for the Panthers focused on handling pressure and executing screen outs, anticipating the Warriors’ athleticism and physicality. The preparation paid off with a 49-44 victory for Collinsville.
Despite Cherokee County’s early control, leading 12-10 after the first quarter and 30-23 at halftime, Collinsville rallied. They took a 34-32 lead by the end of the third quarter and secured a 45-38 advantage with 1:09 left in the game after a basket by Dawson Cothran.
The Warriors, however, put up a resilient fight. Eli Martin’s two 3-pointers in the final minute narrowed the gap, with the second one bringing Cherokee County within three at 47-44 with 19.3 seconds remaining.
Cothran’s crucial free throws with 4.6 seconds left sealed the win for Collinsville, as he contributed 10 points. Jake Middlebrooks led Collinsville with 14 points and 11 rebounds, while Zach Clanton added 10 points and nine rebounds.
Coach Tidmore acknowledged the challenge posed by Martin, praising his shooting ability. Martin led the Warriors with 17 points, showcasing senior leadership.
Cherokee County’s Hays expressed pride in Martin’s performance and acknowledged the team’s need for improvement. Jake Middlebrooks and Collinsville’s shooters were highlighted for their effectiveness, controlling the pace and hitting crucial free throws.
Looking ahead, Tidmore recognized the Warriors’ potential for improvement and considered the win a significant achievement. Collinsville faced Spring Garden in the Classic on Saturday, while Cherokee County hosted Etowah on Tuesday.
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