The DeKalb County Tigers basketball team wrapped up their regular season last week with a win and some close losses. The team now moves on to district tournament play.
On Feb. 4, the Tigers were at home, where they faced Livingston Academy in a hard-fought game.
The Tigers won the first period with 20 points, with three three-pointers and a two-pointer by Steven Jennings, and three two-pointers and a three-pointer by Justin Bone. Livingston had 16 points to start the game.
DeKalb came away with 11 points in the second period, with Ethan Roller getting in on the action with a two and three-pointer. Austin Frazier and Aaron Patterson each had a three-point shot. Livingston scored 14 points, but DeKalb kept the lead going into halftime, 31-30.
Roller found his rhythm in the third period, getting four three-point baskets. Frazier had a three-pointer and Jennings got another two-point shot. The Tigers scored 17, but Livingston came away with 25, taking the 55-48 lead going into the fourth.
Jennings had two three-point goals and a two-pointer in the fourth, while Patterson had two three-pointers. Roller had a three-point basket, and Bone had a two-pointer. The Tigers took 23 points, but Livingston came away with 17, enough for the one-point, 72-71 win.
Roller went two for four from the foul line, while Patterson was two for two. Jennings was zero for one.
On Feb. 6, the Tigers were on the road, taking on Macon County in another close shootout. The match would be decided in overtime.
DeKalb fell behind in the first period, scoring nine points to Macon’s 15. Bone had three two-pointers, while Jennings had one.
The Tigers pushed back in the second period, scoring 11 points and holding Macon to nine. Roller had a two and three-pointer, while Frazier, Bone, and Patterson each had a two-point basket. Macon held the lead at halftime, 24-20.
Roller and Jenning each had a two and three-point goal in the third period, while Bone also had a three-pointer. The Tigers scored 15, while holding Macon to eight, giving DeKalb the lead going into the fourth.
The Tigers scored 12 points in the fourth period, including a two and three-pointer by Roller, two two-point shots by Bone, and a two-pointer by Patterson. Macon would fight hard and score 15 points before the buzzer sounded. The game was tied, 47 all.
DeKalb only came away with five points in overtime, with a three-point goal by Patterson and a two-pointer by Roller. Macon took seven points and the narrow victory.
Patterson went two for two on free throws, while Kaleb Ferrell was one for four. Roller went one for three and Bone was zero for one.
On Feb. 8, the Tigers were back home for their final game of the regular season. On Senior Night, the team would come away with a big win over Warren County in front of the hometown crowd.
The Tigers took 12 points in the first period, including two three-point baskets by Jennings, and two pointers by Roller and Eli Lomas. The Pioneers were held to nine points.
DeKalb scored 15 points in the second period, with three two-pointers by Patterson, a three-pointer by Frazier, and two-pointers by Roller and Bone. Warren came roaring back however, scoring 21 points and taking a 30-27 lead at halftime.
The Pioneers were held to 10 points in the third period, while the Tigers regained the lead with 16. Bone had two two-point shots, while Roller and Frazier each had a three-point basket, and Ferrell a two-pointer. The Tigers were up, 43-40.
Warren County came back with 18 points in the fourth, but DeKalb took 24 points, including a three-point shot by Jennings, and two-pointers by Roller and Bone. The Tigers took the win, 67-58.
Roller went seven for 10 from the foul line, while Jennings was six for seven. Patterson was four for four, while Ferrell, Frazier, and Bone were each two for two.
On Feb. 13, at 7:30 p.m., the Tigers will take on Cannon County in the District 8AA Tournament at White County High School in Sparta. The Tigers are seeded sixth in the tournament while the Lions are the third seed.
The boys semi-finals will be Feb. 15, at 5:30 p.m. and 8:30 p.m. The tournament consolation game will be Feb. 18, at 6 p.m. followed by the championship contest at 7:30 p.m.