The DeKalb Middle School Saints basketball team was beginning to wind down their season, nearing the end of their regular season games, and participating in the James C. Haile State Tournament.
On Jan. 12, the Saints were at home where they hosted a team from Gordonsville. The game would stay close through the first half.
The Saints came out swinging, scoring 13 points in the first period. Nathan Atkins scored three three-point baskets and a free throw, while Colter Norris also came away with a three-pointer. Gordonsville was held to eight points, giving DMS the early lead.
DMS scored six in the second period, with Tanner Poss, Norris, and Michael Elswick each getting a two-point shot. Gordonsville powered their way to the halftime lead, scoring 17 points. Gordonsville was up, 25-19.
The Saints only scored four points in the third period, with Logan Cornelius and Atkins each getting a two-pointer. Gordonsville continued adding to the scoreboard, taking 11 points and a 36-23 lead.
DMS only scored five points in the final period, with Poss and Noah Gill each getting a two-pointer, while Atkins added a free throw point. Gordonsville capped off their victory with five points of their own. Gordonsville took the 41-28 win.
Atkins was two for six on free throws, while Poss was zero for two. Cornelius was zero for three.
On Jan. 17, the Saints traveled to Middle Tennessee Christian School in Murfreesboro to take part in the James C. Haile State Basketball Tournament. There the team faced off with the Aviators of Winfree Bryant in the first round of the tournament.
The Saints scored nine points in the first period, with Poss getting three two-point baskets, while Norris got a three-pointer. The Aviators scored 10 points and took the narrow lead.
DMS scored six points in the second period, with Atkins taking a pair of two-pointers, while Poss got one. Bad passing by the Saints and some stolen balls, allowed the Aviators to score 15 points, giving them the 25-15 halftime lead.
Elswick scored a pair of two-pointers in the third period, while Atkins scored one. Gill added two free throw points for DMS’s eight points. Winfree Bryant scored 10, increasing their lead, 35-23.
The Saints only scored four points in the fourth, with a three-point basket and a free throw by Poss. The Aviators capped off their win with 13 more points. Winfree Bryant took the tournament win, 48-27.
The Saints’ final regular season game will be at home on Thursday when they face Rickman.
