Gilmer snagged a win over Thanksgiving break as they continue to learn and implement coach Sean Glaze’s system.
The Bobcats attended North Forsyth’s holiday tournament and met the host Raiders Saturday, Nov. 22. Turnovers hurt Gilmer and NFHS took advantage for a 59-37 win.
GHS was back on the court two days later against old region foe, Wesleyan. Gilmer secured a one-point lead at the halftime and pulled away over the final two quarters for a 47-36 win.
The tournament wrapped up the following night versus West Forsyth. Points were difficult to come by once again for Gilmer in a 69-46 defeat.
“We’re still growing through some adversity,” Glaze said. “We’ve certainly seen some good things with our football guys getting a little more familiar with what we’re trying to do. The guys who have been with us since August and preseason, they’re getting a little more comfortable and confident.
“We’re still working to maintain our poise and paying attention to important details. When we’re put in uncomfortable situations, we’ve got to continue to make sure we’re voices on defense and disciplined on offense. This is a group that can be good, but if you’re not playing with discipline, that’s going to sabotage whatever talent or planning or preparation that you’ve done. We’re learning to be consistent.”
Both Gilmer and North Forsyth shot below 35 percent, and the Cats were 4/22 from three-point territory.
Gilmer trailed by four after a quarter, but the deficit grew to 36-21 at the half. The Cats did not achieve double-digit scoring in the third or fourth quarters, and NFHS went on to win by 22 points.
The Raiders tallied 23 points off 25 GHS turnovers and also outscored the Cats in transition and in the post. Preston McVey led the way with 12 points and seven rebounds. Jaden Sevcech grabbed seven boards as well to go with five points. Andrew Chastain and Aden Richard scored five as well.
Wesleyan encountered some shooting woes and made a mere 19 percent of its shots. Threes were a big part of their game as they took 26 and made none.
Keegen Bryant was Gilmer’s top scorer with 17 and he collected eight rebounds. McVey was there for 12 points once again to go with 10 rebounds, and Andrew Chastain scored seven.
GHS committed 23 turnovers but Wesleyan did little to make the Cats pay. Meanwhile, Gilmer scored 19 points off 16 WHS miscues, and the Bobcats also turned 13 offensive rebounds into 15 second-chance points.
While Wesleyan held a 17-12 edge after the opening quarter, it did not exceed more than 10 in the remaining three. GHS slipped ahead 23-22 at halftime and was up 37-31 entering the third. Gilmer limited Wesleyan to four points in the fourth and won by 11.
“Even in the first game we did some good stuff,” Glaze said. “What you’ve seen with our progress, is that when we start to play with some discipline and intensity, we can be a really good team. Success is about consistency, not just occasional consistency. I think that’s where you’re seeing growth when we become consistent in challenging circumstances.”
Bryant twisted his ankle in the game and was hobbled versus West Forsyth but still led the Cats in scoring with 12 points. Chastain added eight while McVey and Sevcech both scored seven and had five and four rebounds, respectively.
GHS trailed by seven after a quarter and just 29-23 at the half. However, the Bobcats’ eight-point third quarter put them behind 52-31 with a eight minutes to play. West Forsyth continued to extend its lead in the fourth.
“Jaden Sevcech has been fantastic for us in terms of his effort and leadership,” Glaze said. “As we continue to get people to play together and be trustworthy, I think we’re going to start having a lot more smiles in locker rooms than frustration.”
The Bobcats are 2-4 on the season and hosted Union County (2-2) at press deadline. Gilmer will travel to Adairsville (0-3) Friday for its Region 7-3A opener at 8:30 p.m.