HUNTER COOKSTON
Writer
In South Pittsburg, the football team usually plays until the first week of December or late into the postseason, which means basketball doesn’t start until about a month after the opening week of the season. The Pirates kicked off their season with a win at Sewanee, defeating the Mountain Lions 61-42.
Brandon Goldsmith got the season started strong, scoring 10 points in the first quarter. Senior JR Hardrick added six points in the quarter, while Alex Phillips connected on a three-pointer for his only points in the first. Kaveon Sutton made two baskets for four points, and Shannon Pendergrass added two points.
In the second quarter, Goldsmith added six more points to his total. Pendergrass contributed four points, including a three-pointer and a free throw. Dayon Cooper, Khalil McRae, and Phillips each scored two points in the quarter. The Pirates’ defense was suffocating, holding Sewanee to just nine points in the first half.
The Pirates managed only eight points as a team in the third quarter, with Hardrick scoring half of them with four points. Phillips and Pendergrass each added a basket. Sewanee outscored the Pirates 19-8 in the quarter.
In the fourth quarter, Sutton led the Pirates with four points. Goldsmith hit a three-pointer to add to his night total, while McRae and Nicholi Burton each contributed two points.
The Pirates secured their first win of the season, a great way to start. They now turn their focus to district play for their home opener.
South Pittsburg will host Whitwell on Thursday, December 18. JV Girls start at 3:30 p.m., JV Boys at 4:30 p.m., Varsity Girls at 6 p.m., and Varsity Boys at 7:30 p.m.