The Gilmer Bobcats took down the Murphy, N.C., Bulldogs once again.
The two teams squared off last Saturday, and this time the Bobcats were the ones who had to travel. While the game’s location changed, the outcome did not, and this time around GHS snatched an 80-67 win.
The Bobcats had their best outside shooting night of the season as they made 13/32 three-point attempts. Gilmer’s Kohan Davis made six threes and finished with 20 points. Freshman point guard Keegen Bryant had another strong performance with 23 points to lead all scorers.
The Bobcats also added 32 points in the post. Jackson McVey recorded another double-double with 12 points and 18 rebounds.
GHS got its offense in gear early to put the Bulldogs in a bind. Gilmer shot 50 percent from the field in the first quarter while all three of the Bulldogs’ baskets came from three-point land.
MHS added four free throws as well and Gilmer opened a 22-13 lead. GHS committed 20 turnovers, and six came in the second quarter, which Murphy converted into six points. The Cats did not enjoy the same success from outside as they did in the first quarter, but were still ahead 36-27 at halftime.
MHS started to chip away at Gilmer’s lead in the third. The Bulldogs managed to cut the deficit to 44-43 with 2:46 left in the quarter. However, GHS went on a 10-2 run over the next 90 seconds to deny the Bulldogs.
The Bobcats held on to a 56-49 edge with eight minutes to play, and there would be no comeback for MHS. Davis and Bryant took turns making two threes each to extend the lead to 70-55.
Murphy cut it down to 10 before Davis’ third three pointer of the fourth. McVey and Bryant then added close-range points for a 77-60 advantage with only 2:26 to play.
GHS secured the win to improve to 10-5 on the season. J.D. Taylor added eight points for Gilmer, Ryder Wofford scored seven, Christian Sumner had six and Will Kiker added four.
The Bobcats hosted Wesleyan at press deadline and travel to West Hall Friday for an 8:30 p.m. game.
Junior varsity
The junior varsity Bobcats met Murphy as well, and the Bulldogs built a lead over the second and third quarters en route to a 66-55 victory.
GHS had a well-rounded scoring day, but Murphy’s offense proved to be more consistent. Gilmer made seven three pointers and both Jaden Sevcech and Riley Davis drained one in the first quarter. Boston Teague added four points as MHS led 16-14 entering the second.
The Bulldogs kept their offense rolling ahead of halftime. Teague hit a half-court shot at the buzzer to cut the deficit to 34-25 at the half.
MHS hit four three pointers in the third to put GHS in a 50-36 hole with a quarter to play. Davis sank a trio of three pointers in the fourth to threaten Murphy, who then reinserted its starters over the final two minutes to preserve the win.