The DeKalb County High School Tigers basketball team got a big win at home last week, before traveling to Cannon County later in the week. One Tiger would pass a major milestone at the home game.
On Tuesday, December 12, the Tigers were in front of the hometown crowd as they hosted the Smith County Owls. Smith would take the first half, but the Tigers would come roaring back.
DeKalb put 14 points on the board in the first period, including Conner Close with a two and three-point basket. With the three-pointer, Close reached the 1,000-point mark, with the game paused briefly to mark the accomplishment.
Jordan Parker hit four free throw points, while Jon Hendrix sank a three-point basket and Dallas Kirby a two-pointer. The Owls took the narrow lead with 16 points.
The Tigers added nine points to the board in the second period. Parker hit a two and three-point shot, while Alex Antoniak and Close each had a two-pointer. Smith County inched away with 10 points and the 26-23 halftime lead.
The Tigers came out firing on all cylinders in the third period, scoring 24 points. Parker put up a pair of two-point baskets and six free throws, while Kirby added three two-pointers, a three-pointer, and a free throw. Antoniak put a couple of two-point shots on the board for DeKalb. The Owls added six points, giving DeKalb the 47-34 lead.
Close came back to life in the fourth period, sinking four two-point baskets. Parker had a two-pointer and a couple of free throws, Antoniak and Kirby each had a two-point shot, and Seth Fuson added a pair of free throw points. Smith added 24, but DeKalb claimed 66-56 victory.
The following Friday, the Tigers were on the road, taking on another border rival team in Woodbury. The previous meeting between the Tigers and the Lions had been a battle, ending in a narrow win by DeKalb. This game would also be a nail-biter, coming down to the final period.
The Tigers put 14 on the board in the first period, with a two and three-point basket by Kirby, a pair of two-pointer by Close, a three-point basket by Parker, and a two-pointer by Hendrix. The Lions stayed right with them, scoring 13 points.
DeKalb came away with eight points in the second, with a pair of two-pointers each by Close and Kirby. Cannon inched ahead with 10 points, taking the 23-22 halftime lead.
Close added a three-pointer for the Tigers in the third period, while Kirby and Antoniak each had a two-pointer. The Lions moved ahead with 11 points, going up, 34-29.
The Tigers ended the game by putting another 19 on the board in the fourth. Close had six two-point shots and a free throw, while Parker and Hendrix each had a two-point basket. Antoniak added two free throw points. The Lions were held to 17 points, but it was enough to claim the 51-48 win.
