By Mike Goodson/Sports Correspondent
Gaston High head coach Buddy Wright challenged his team, “Not to be afraid of the moment and to step up against Glencoe” in the opening round of the Etowah County Basketball Tournament on Monday (Jan. 19).
Albert Douglas did just that, scoring 25 points for the Bulldogs to almost pull off the upset before Glencoe held on for a 50-40 win at Gadsden State.
The Yellow Jackets take on Hokes Bluff on Wednesday in the tournament semifinals.
Glencoe (9-13) jumped to a 9-2 first quarter lead and never looked back. The Yellow Jackets led 19-10 at halftime and 31-20 after three quarters. Gaston got no closer than 10 down the stretch.
“We played well defensively, keeping them out of the paint and making Gaston take bad shots,” said Glencoe head coach Jason Gilley. “We rebounded well in not allowing them to get more than one shot. Overall it was a good team effort.”
Pace Ozmint had nine points and 10 rebounds for the Yellow Jackets, while Andrew Willis added eight points and 15 rebounds. Garrison Clowdus also scored eight points.
“We need to lick our wounds and get back to work,” said Wright.