Bearden 60
Farragut 57
Bearden got 12 points each from juniors Gabe Campbell and Demonte Simpson and slid past a determined Farragut squad 50-47 in the second district semi-final at South Doyle High School. The win sets up Bearden/Maryville III after the Rebels dispatched a gritty Lenoir City bunch 78-64 in the opening contest of the evening.
Farragut played one of their best games of the season getting every loose ball and held a 42-40 lead late in the third quarter after a Riley Hunley steal and conversion. The game went back and forth with Farragut junior Sam Watson converting some inside moves, senior Kyle Binder dropping a clutch three and fiesty junior guard Jonathan Moore scoring in transition.
Campbell came up with a clutch three point play late and the Bulldogs escaped with the W.
Campbell and Simpson led Bearden with 12. Blake Jenkins added 10 despite injuring his wrist in the first half.
Binder and Moore led the Admirals with 13 each.
Maryville 78
Lenoir City 64
Jordan Damron continued his spectacular senior campaign dropping 32 and helping the Rebels cruise into the title clash with Bearden on Wednesday. Maryville continued their three-point onslaught with fellow senior Wes Lambert adding 12 and junior Ryan Click getting a dozen of his own. Big Jay Reynolds contributed 13 for the defending AAA state champs.
Sophomore Tyler Hood was huge for the Panthers scoring 24 and keeping them in the game throughout. The Panthers fought hard and showed great heart and effort despite the loss.
