Clutch free-throws propel Mavs past Cougars
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Anderson County’s Brandon Dake had 23 points in the Round 1 region tournament game on Saturday night, March 1. - Tony Cox
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Anderson County’s Cam Lawson went 8-for-8 at the line during the Mavericks’ opening round of the 2025 TSSAA region tournament. - Tony Cox
For the third consecutive year, the Anderson County High School boys basketball team has advanced to the Region 2-AAA Semifinals.
The Mavericks (22-9) secured their spot in the second round of the regional tournament with a 71-61 victory over Northview Academy on Saturday night at ACHS.
It was the third meeting of the season between the Mavericks and the Cougars, with each team winning once during the regular season on their home courts.
After capturing their third consecutive district tournament title, Anderson County earned the right to host the first round of the region championship. Third-year head coach Jordan Jeffers appreciated the home-court advantage against Northview (16-16).
“I’m glad it was at our place and I really appreciate the crowd,” Jeffers said. “When it’s win or go home and your season and your career could be over, everybody shows up.”
The game remained close at times, but the Mavericks prevailed with several standout performances.
Brandon Dake led all scorers with 23 points, Hayden Craig contributed 19, and Ethan Nelson added 11. Despite struggling with his shooting, Cam Lawson finished with eight points.
“Cam Lawson was abysmal from the field. He couldn’t hit a jump shot,” Jeffers said. “But he didn’t miss a free throw.”
Lawson proved to be pivotal in the closing minutes, going a perfect 8-for-8 from the free-throw line and scoring all eight of his points in the final quarter.
“He was clutch,” Jeffers said of Lawson.
It was a collective effort for the Mavericks.
“If you played tonight, you helped us win,” Jeffers said. “I thought Hayden Craig set the tone early and I thought Dake was big late.
“He had 23 points, and he’s had better games and better scoring nights, but considering what he faced tonight, he did really well. Ethan Nelson made a couple of big threes for us.”
Up next for Anderson County was a semifinal clash against two-time defending Class AAA State Champion Fulton on Tuesday night. Results were not available at press time.
The Falcons, though in a rebuilding phase, are always a threat at home in Jody Wright Arena. Fulton dominated Union County on Saturday in a rematch of last year’s region championship game.
“I’d say the Falcons are dialed in,” Jeffers said. “They’re not going to give you anything.”
A victory over Fulton would send the Mavericks to Thursday’s region championship game and guarantee a spot in the state sectional game on Monday, March 10.
Anderson County captured its third straight district championship with a 74-61 win over Clinton on Feb. 25.
