HUNTER COOKSTON
Writer
The South Pittsburg Pirates knew heading into last Friday that they were one win away from clinching the regular-season district championship. The Pirates went on the road and defeated the Sale Creek Panthers, 61–49.
South Pittsburg got off to a hot start offensively, scoring 24 points in the first quarter. Brandon Goldsmith led the way with eight points, while Nicoli Burton added six. JR Hardrick also scored six, and Dayon Cooper and Alex Phillips contributed two points each. Defensively, the Pirates held the Panthers to just six points in the opening period.
Goldsmith continued his scoring in the second quarter with seven points. Burton and Phillips finished the period with three points apiece, while Shannon Pendergrass and Cooper added two each. That surge gave the Pirates a commanding 41–21 halftime lead.
Goldsmith stayed consistent in the third quarter, scoring five points — four coming from the charity stripe. Burton was the second-leading scorer in the period with four points. Cooper knocked down a triple, while Hardrick and Phillips rounded out the scoring with four combined points.
The Pirates struggled offensively in the final quarter, managing just three points. Hardrick converted a bucket and Phillips connected on a free throw. Although the final margin was 12 points, the game was never truly in doubt.
South Pittsburg earned the No. 1 seed in the district tournament and will also host the event. The Pirates will host the Whitwell Tigers on Friday at 7:30 p.m. in the first round.
Tournament Schedule (Entire tournament at South Pittsburg High School)
Thursday 2/19 – Girls Only
Van Buren Eagles vs. Whitwell – 6 p.m.Sale Creek vs. South Pittsburg – 7:30 p.m.
Friday 2/20 – Boys Only
Van Buren vs. Sale Creek – 6 p.m.
South Pittsburg vs. Whitwell – 7:30 p.m.
Monday 2/23 – Girls Only
Consolation Game – 6 p.m.
Championship Game – 7:30 p.m.
Monday 2/24 – Boys Only
Consolation Game – 6 p.m.
Championship Game – 7:30 p.m.