Last second shot gives Tazewell win

By DAVE COX/Staff

TAZEWELL- Noah Walker showed no ill effects from an injury he recently suffered against Carroll County as the sophomore center led the Tazewell Bulldogs in scoring in a thrilling 74-71 Southwest District victory over visiting Marion last Friday night at the Tazewell Middle School gym.

Walker’s contribution was certainly big, but it was a last second trey by Blake Hash from the right corner that stole the show and gave the Bulldogs the win. “I never thought about that (shot),” said Hash. I kept in mind that I had made thousands of shots from that spot in practice, so I just squared up and let it go.” The Tazewell crowd went wild when Hash’s bomb found nothing but net and the ‘Canes quietly exited the floor.

Marion (8-9, 1-3 SWD) gave the Bulldogs all they wanted in the first half and took a 37-32 edge to the dressing room at the break. A rejuvenated THS squad returned to the floor and posted a big 23-15 third frame to take a 55-52 advantage into the final frame. The teams battled to a 19-19 standoff in the fourth quarter.

Walker poured in 15 points to lead Tazewell (9-8, 3-2 SWD). He had a thunderous dunk in the third stanza and he blocked five shots. Walker added 14 rebounds for a double-double performance. John Walker joined Noah Walker, Hash and Christian Lewis in double figure scoring for the ‘Dawgs. John Walker finished with 12 points, including two treys and he also blocked a shot and yanked down seven rebounds. Lewis had 12 points and tossed in two treys. Hash managed 11 points and bombed in three treys, including the game-winner. Colin Hancock came off the bench in the fourth quarter and gave the Bulldogs a shot in the arm with three straight treys for his nine points in the game. Ryan Hankins chipped in with eight points and eight rebounds and Jalen Jordan had seven points and a block to his credit.

Ethan Richardson topped all scorers with 22 points for the Hurricanes. Austin Klug joined Richardson in double figures with 14 points. Trey Crook managed 13 for Marion.

“This is the kind of basketball the fans like to see,’ said THS head coach Lee Walker. “The fellows played their hearts out tonight.”