Photo: Etowah’s Trent Davis drives the lane as Southside’s Hunter Sitz, Spencer Sharpe and Owen Wescott (pictured, from left) defend during the Panthers’ 62-61 victory in boys basketball on Tuesday, Dec. 8 at SHS. (Chris McCarthy/Messenger)
By Cole Frederick/Sports Correspondent
Southside slipped past Etowah, 62-61, in a thrilling matchup on Tuesday, Dec. 8 at Southside. Junior guard Taylor Carr sank a pair of free throws with seven seconds left in the game to give the Panthers (4-3) a one-point advantage. The Blue Devils’ final shot attempt missed as time expired. Carr finished with a game-high and career-high 25 points, including a 12-for-12 performance from the free throw line.
Etowah led 33-31 at halftime after Tae Wright forced a turnover and threw a behind-the-back pass to NyNy Davis for a layup as the second quarter clock expired.
Southside amped up the defensive intensity in the third quarter, holding the Blue Devils to only eight points in the frame.
The Panthers pushed the lead to 53-41 midway through the fourth quarter, but Etowah responded with a 19-4 run to take a 60-57 lead with 1:01 to play.
After Spencer Sharpe sank one free throw to close the gap to 60-58, Carr stole a pass for a fast break lay up to tie the game with less than 20 seconds remaining.
Etowah guard Ethan Foster drew a foul with 8.7 seconds remaining and made one free throw to give the Blue Devils the lead before Carr was fouled on the following possession.
Despite missing a large portion of the first half with foul trouble, Michael Rich, Jr., finished with 13 points and eight rebounds. Sharpe contributed 10 points, six rebounds and three assists, while Hunter Sitz scored eight points.
S. Jones scored 23 points for Etowah, while Wright added 12.