Fulton ends Mavericks’ season, again
Brandon Dake had 16 points for the Mavericks in a very fast and physical game against Fulton on March 4. (photo:Tony Cox )
The Mavericks, three-time defending District 4-AAA tournament champions, fell 71-50 to two-time defending Class AAA state champion Fulton on Tuesday, March 4, at Jody Wright Arena at Fulton High School in North Knoxville.
The Falcons, the District 3-AAA runners-up, went on to capture the region championship, avenging their district tournament loss to Carter.
Despite losing several players from last year’s state championship squad, Fulton entered the 2024-25 season with one of the area’s youngest rosters.
After a shaky start, the Falcons seemed to hit their stride just in time for the postseason, claiming the District 3-AAA regular-season title.
“I think the Falcons are dialed in right now,” Anderson County Coach Jordan Jeffers said before the game. “They’re not going to give you anything.”
Fulton proved him right, coming out in full force during the region semifinals.
The game was competitive early, with the Falcons holding a 22-14 lead at the end of the first quarter.
However, Fulton broke the game open in the second quarter, outscoring Anderson County 20-6 to take a commanding 42-20 lead into halftime.
Senior Hayden Craig posted a double-double in his final game for Anderson County, scoring 17 points and grabbing 11 rebounds.
Brandon Dake, the Mavericks’ all-time leading scorer, added 16 points in his last game.
Sophomore Cam Lawson had six points and three rebounds.
Fulton’s Derrick Smith Jr. led all scorers with 30 points, while Rejuan Womble added 10 and Travis Ballenger finished with nine.
