The Western Highlands Conference boys tournament tipped off with opening round action on Monday.
In the first game of the afternoon the Avery Vikings (#7 seed) took on the #2 seed Mountain Heritage, a team they played to a tight 81-73 loss in Burnsville less than a week ago. The same scenario failed to play out for the Big Red on Monday as Cole Huskins' 16 points led four Cougars in double-figures as Mountain Heritage cruised to a 68-45 win to close out the Avery season with a disappointing 3-23 record.
In the second game of the evening, tournament host and #6 seed Mitchell took on the 3rd seeded Madison Patriots. The tandem of Ryan Henderson and Ramsey Elsayad helped the Patriots race out to a 31-12 halftime lead en route to a decisive 76-43 win. Henderson netted 31 points for the Patriots with 18 from Elsayad. Mitchell was led by Thomas Buchanan with 21 points. Heritage and Madison will square off in the tourney semis.
In the night cap, the best game of the night saw the #4 seed Owen Warhorses hold off #5 seed Polk County 57-55. Josh Twitty hit a 3-pointer to cut the Owen lead to one in the final minute, but clutch free throws down the stretch helped the Warhorses hold off the Wolverines as Twitty’s half-court shot fell short with time expiring.
The fourth-seeded Warhorses were led by Ian McVay’s game-high 22 points. Twitty led No. 5 seed Polk with 20.
The fourth-seeded Warhorses were led by Ian McVay’s game-high 22 points. Twitty led No. 5 seed Polk with 20.
Owen takes on top seed Hendersonville in the other semifinal contest.
Ladies action tips off at Mitchell this afternoon as #2 seed Avery will take on #7 seed Hendersonville. Coach Missy Lyons' squad swept the season series in convincing fashion with a pair of blowout victories.
The second game of the afternoon pits #3 seed Polk County against #6 seed Owen, while the final contest of the evening matches #4 seed Mountain Heritage against #5 seed Madison. Tourney host and top seed Mitchell has an opening round bye and will face the winner of the Heritage/Madison game.
Junior varsity Western Highlands Conference Tournament action continues as well this week with opening round and semifinal action at Viking Gym. Teams advancing to the finals in the boys and girls tournaments will meet in the first two contests of Championship Friday held at Mitchell High School.
