K-8 junior high Dawgs take 18-1 mark to TNT state tourney
CELINA-The K-8 junior high boys basketball team will carry a conference championship and a one-loss record to a state invitational tournament.
The Junior Bulldogs recently won the Cumberland Rim Conference title with a close win over the only team to beat them this year, and are headed to the TNT state invitational tournament in Springfield on February 7.
The Junior Dawgs beat old rival Macon County 38-33 in the conference tourney finals, avenging their only loss of the season. Celina was also the regular-season champ in the Cumberland Rim, compiling a 9-1 record, giving the team a first-round bye in the tourney. Coach Rob Edwards’ team also defeated Trousdale County 37-23 in the semi-finals, with the two wins running Celina’s record to 18-1 on the season.
What’s been the key to the team’s success? “They’re a real coachable bunch,” said Edwards. “They don’t overlook opponents, and just play one game at a time, and that’s worked very well for us.”
Team members Eddie Roach, Corey Hamilton, Jake Edwards and Austin Cherry were named to the all-tournament team, with Jacob Marcom taking MVP honors.
The K-8 junior high girls team will join the boys in play at the TNT invitational on February 7. Possible second-round games for the Jr. Bulldog teams would be the following Saturday.
- CELINA K-8 JUNIOR HIGH BOYS BASKETBALL-Front row (l-r) are Kyle Page, Coach Rob Edwards, and Woodrow Daniels. Back row (l-r) are Andrew Garrett, Kevin Price, Carl Ledbetter, Alex McLerran, Justin Smith, Sloane Tiernan, Eddie Roach, Cody Jolin, Jacob Edwards, Cory Hamilton, Austin Cherry, Jacob Marcom, and George Fraga. The Junior Bulldogs won their conference tournament recently, and, along with the junior high girls team, are headed to the TNT state invitational tournament. (Staff file photo by Kevin Donaldson)