The score read 21-10 and the Golden Wildcats were not the team with 21.
What was going on?
The 27th annual Arby's Classic moved into their quarterfinal action as Melrose tangled with a stout New Rochelle team from New York.
A quick substitution and some timely shooting from Jermaine Holliman (Melrose) brought them from their slumber and a 20-10 second quarter brought them to within one.
With a renewed vigor and confidence Melrose closed this chapter of the Arby's besting New Rochelle 68-54 and earning a spot in the semi-finals against McEachern and Tennessee signee Trae Golden.
"Mighty Chris Jones" (Melrose) was clutch down the stretch knocking down 10 of 12 from the charity stripe and finishing with 21 points to lead the Golden Wildcats.
Holliman would tally 15 and both Telvin Wilkerson (Melrose) and Adonis Thomas (Melrose) added 11 in the victory.
In other action:
Tennessee High battled hard but fell to McEachern 56-41 in another quarterfinal. Austin Stacy (Tennessee) and Tyler Place (Tennessee) both finished with 10 points apiece.
Bryan Everhardt (Greeneville) dropped 22 points but the Green Devils fell short losing to Fairdale 63-49 in the day's first game. Trey Anderson (Greeneville) added 14 in the loss.
Adam Dennison (Dobyns-Bennett) put on a show for the East Tennessee folks netting 25 points and leading the Indians to a 58-37 trouncing of Chattanooga Brainerd. Darius Davis (Dobyns-Bennett) added 18 in the win. Darrius Higgins (Brainerd) led the Panthers with 18 in the loss.
Shannon Hale (Science Hill) was superb scoring 22 points on 9 of 10 shooting and grabbing 10 boards leading the Hilltoppers past a determined Sullivan east squad 79-69.
Hale, only a freshman, was the difference maker with his wingspan and ability to knock down the open shot from anywhere on the floor. Jaylen Allen (Science Hill) added 15 while Will Carter (Science Hill) chipped with 13 for the Toppers. Jordan Cross (Sullivan East) was superb on the day netting 22 for the Patriots. Trey Gilreath (Sullivan East) added 16 and Jeremy James (Sullivan East) chipped in 13 in the loss.
