Glencoe’s Chris Tinker winked and smiled at head coach Ryan Barkley as he connected on 2 of 2 free throws with 6.7 seconds remaining in the game, sealing a 51-46 win over rival Hokes Bluff on December 2.
Glencoe’s Daniel Warren stole the ball at half-court and shot a layup as time expired to close out the win.
“We played smart basketball tonight and I am proud of my guys,” Barkley said. “Hokes Bluff has a tough team and are hard to match up with because of their size. I thought my post players did a great job on [Issac King].”
Glencoe went flat in the fourth quarter and the Eagles took a three point lead with 1:12 remaining in the game after a pair of Tanner Shields free throws.
Cassidy then stole the ball and was immediately fouled by the Yellow Jackets. The senior connected on 1-of-2 free throws to give Glencoe the lead.
The see-saw match was a typical Jacket-Eagle battle.
Glencoe’s Chance Cassidy drained a 3-pointer as time expired in the opening quarter to give the visting Yellow Jackets a 16-14 lead. Austin Hancock led Glencoe in the first quarter with eight points. Luke Jenkins led the Eagles in the first quarter with seven points.
Glencoe extended its lead to 28-23 at the half. The teams shot a collective 0-for-10 from the foul line in the second quarter.
Hancock added six points in the third quarter as the Yellow Jackets held the lead heading into the final period, 39-36.
Both teams displayed impressive, aggressive defense. Glencoe’s Devonte Toles and Scott Bradley each turned in exceptional defensive performances, keeping Hokes Bluff’s 6’10 center King in check for most of the game.
Glencoe’s Hancock led all scorers with 17 points, while Cassidy chipped in 12.
Shifty guard Tanner Shields led the Eagles with 10 points, Jenkins notched nine and King had eight.
