Loudon sweeps second round of bridge series, handing Lenoir City a pair of losses.

Boys battle through two OTs – Redskins upset Panthers 77-75.

With winter weather moving in outside, the cross-county action was heated inside Loudon High School Friday as the Panthers of Lenoir City came calling. The Lady Redskins showed why they are AA-District 4 champions as they handed the Lady Panthers a 59-46 loss. Their Dec. 2 contest had been closer with Loudon winning 45-44.

The boys’ game in December was as expected, with Lenoir City on top 59-48. Friday, it was everything but the expected as the 9-16 (2-8) Redskins dealt the visiting Panthers 15-11 (8-6) a surprising double-overtime 77-75 defeat. 

Photo by Sammie Dunlap © 2012.
Loudon's Jordan Belvin goes up with a shot as Lenoir City's Jordan Hall defends.  
The Redskins won 77-75 in double overtime.

In the ladies’ contest, Loudon jumped out to an early 15-4 lead in the first period. Lenoir City mounted a bit more offense in the second, but Loudon was consistent and posted a 29-13 first half advantage. The two teams played closer in the third as the Lady Panthers’ scoring leader Tyler Powers dropped in a pair of threes and Kelsey Marriott added another. Unfortunately for the visitors, the late surge was too little, too late. After three the score was 42-24 Loudon. A strong 22-point fourth quarter by Lenoir City made the contest respectable, but Loudon’s consistent scoring produced their best quarter of offense with 17, allowing them to coast in with the win.

Loudon’s Savannah Berry and Jara Gasper combined for 13-of-15 from the free-throw line down the stretch, making it impossible for the Lady Panthers to edge closer.

Gasper notched a game-high 21 points for Loudon. Post player Chelsey Moore banged in 18, including one from long-range. Berry netted nine, also hitting one from outside. Zoe Grimes scored seven and Bre Snow inked the score sheet for two. Haylee Henry and Aspen Jordan each were good with a free throw for one point.

Photo by Sammie Dunlap © 2012.
Kara Steil launches a three for 
the Lady Panthers.

Photo by Sammie Dunlap © 2012.
Loudon's Chelsey Moore drives 
around Lady Panther Kristi Brackett.

Powers was top-gun for the Lady Panthers with 14. Kristi Brackett scored six from the paint. Cailin Hurley and Katie Smartt each dropped in four, while the trio of Kelsey Marriott, Ally Latham and Kara Steil each scored three. The quartet of Dawn Radford, Teela Thomas, Angel Varner and Haley Morris each had two points ink the score sheet. Lindsey Jones was good with one free throw.

The boys contest delivered plenty of heat to counter the falling temperatures outside. Lenoir City screamed to a 20-10 first quarter lead. Loudon ramped up on offense and defense in the second, pulling back within six for a 34-28 score at the half. Loudon took a 47-46 lead to close out the third period. The game went to overtime after regulation with the score tied at 58 and was still knotted at 67 when the third potential game ending horn sounded.  Another extra period was needed to settle it and the home team fans were jubilant with the 77-75 victory after the second overtime.

Loudon’s Jordan Belvin had the game-high hot hand with 25 points, including five 3-point baskets. His inside the paint teammate Jaden Bailey was good for 24, including one from long-range. Andrew Hendrix scored 14, with two buckets from beyond the arc. Ty Hairston netted eight. Bryston Hardy scored five, also hitting a three. Christ Chennault sealed both the scoring for the Redskins and the game, with a key free throw in the final seconds.

For the Panthers, Camion Patrick racked 22 points and Lucas Hamilton banged in 17. Loudon held Lenoir City’s usual sharpshooter Jordan Hall to seven points. Alex Hatfield and Tyler Jones were each good with six points. Bill Ault and Nathan Lester had five each. Terrance Hall scored four while Steven Halcomb hit a 3-pointer. Joining Halcomb with long-range baskets were Patrick with three, Lester with one and Jordan Hall with one.

Loudon will host the AA-District 4 tournament next week. The Lady Redskins 21-4 (8-2) won the regular season AA-District 4 crown and look forward to advancing higher this year. They lost to Pigeon Forge in the regional semi-final on a last second buzzer beater to end their 2011 season. “We want the trophy this time,” senior Chelsey Moore said. “I think we can do it. We should go to state. We’re deeper this year.”

Lenoir City will travel to Bearden High School in Knoxville for the AAA-District 4 tournament. Tournament brackets and schedules will be posted when announced.