The Gilmer Bobcats are set to wrap up the regular basketball season.
GHS was on the court for two region games last week and hit the road versus Heritage (16-6) Tuesday. The Generals’ hot shooting night put Gilmer in a 23-point hole at the half. HHS added to its lead over the final two quarters for a 75-43 win.
The Cats hosted Northwest Whitfield (14-7) for senior night Friday, and Gilmer made it a game for three quarters. The score was tied entering the fourth, where the Bruins pulled away to win, 68-58.
GHS made 30 percent of its shots versus Heritage, and the Generals had a much better night at 59 percent. Gilmer’s best quarter came in the first as A.J. Callihan, Preston McVey and Keegen Bryant all scored.
“Heritage is playing well and they’re No. 2 in the region because I think they obviously have some good pieces,” said head coach Sean Glaze. “They play well together and defend well and take care of their boards. I thought that we opened up relatively well, defending and running some stuff and having a little bit of discipline.”
HHS entered the second quarter with a 20-13 advantage. Seven Generals scored over the eight-minute span while the Cats were limited to six points and trailed 42-19 at the half.
McVey scored six of his team-high 16 points in the third. GHS was unable to find much offense elsewhere, and the Cats fell behind 60-30 with a quarter to play.
Heritage continued to make shots to extend its margin of victory.
McVey also had seven rebounds, and Callihan and Bryant scored seven and six, respectively. Bryant added six rebounds and three assists.
“Down the stretch towards the end of the game, as we had some other kids on the court, I thought we did a nice job of working to have some good offensive possessions,” Glaze said. “Specifically in the second quarter, but honestly throughout the game, there’s still effort, but that attention to detail is something we’re still working to appreciate.”
GHS (42 percent) shot the ball better against Northwest (57 percent). The Cats cashed in 21 points following 24 NHS turnovers. Bryant led the way with 23 points, and he hit a three pointer in the first quarter along with Mason West. Callihan and McVey also added points, and the Bruins led 14-13 after the first.
Bryant had success driving to the basket for layups and fouls in the second. NHS maintained its lead for a 25-24 halftime edge.
Callihan, Bryant and Andrew Chastain drained three pointers in the third while McVey provided four more points in the post.
With the score even at 45-all to start the fourth, GHS continued to have success from outside. Bryant, Chastain and Callihan all made another three. However, Gilmer only made two more shots from the field.
NHS went on a 9-3 run with four minutes left to open a 56-48 lead. GHS never got closer than six points, and the Bruins went on to win by 10.
Chastain, McVey and Callihan all scored 10 points apiece, and Bryant dished four assists.
GHS is 7-16 overall and 3-8 in the region. The Cats wrapped up the regular season at press deadline versus LaFayette (14-9).