Central Bobcats continue Cinderella postseason at Oak Ridge’s expense
Senior ’Cat Grayson Strader puts defensive pressure on Central’s Xavion Gibby. (photo:Luthor Simmons Photography )
The fourth-seeded Knoxville Central Bobcats entered the semifinal round by eliminated No. 5 seed and tournament host Powell on Wednesday, Feb. 15.
With that win, the Bobcats earned the right to face top-seeded Oak Ridge and Central continued its Cinderella run through the tournament as it worked a little overtime magic to beat the No. 1 Wildcats 66-62 at Powell High’s Jeff Hunter Gymnasium.
Central (15-15) prevailed despite the Wildcats (22-5) getting a stellar effort from Kaden Brightharp, who went 10-for-18 from the floor en route to scoring 24 points.
The Wildcats had the upper hand at halftime as they led 32-29. Oak Ridge would extend its advantage to 47-41 by third quarter’s end before the Bobcats closed regulation with a surge that sent the game to overtime tied, 57-57.
ORHS had an opportunity to win in regulation but Brightharp’s potential game-winning shot bounced off the rim.
In the extra frame, things got crazy as the teams were knotted, 60-60, with a minute remaining in the extra frame before Oak Ridge’s Cooper Williams made a pair of free throws to give the Wildcats a 62-61 advantage with 14 seconds left.
A controversial call a short time later gave the Bobcats the ball and Josh Brown made an old-fashioned three-point play to make it 64-62 before another call went against the Wildcats, resulting in a technical foul on the Wildcats’ bench.
Brown, who had the game-winning shot against the Panthers in the opening round, a 3-pointer, made both ensuing free throws to provide the winning margin.
Brown finished the contest with 14 points and was one of four Bobcats to post double figures in the scoring column.
Chris Boseman led Central with 16 points. Trey Robinson added 12 and Reggie Jones finished with 10.
Oak Ridge played West High in Tuesday night’s consolation game but results were not available at press time.
The Rebels, the No. 3 seed handed the Wildcats their only league loss of the regular season, prevailing 59-57 in Knoxville on Jan. 10.