This time of year say it all.
Unsung heroes step up and become household names.
Youngsters grow up and lead teams to victory.
For the Wildcats of Oak Ridge the scenario could not have scripted itself any better.
Three huge three point bombs from junior Tucker Trent helped lead the Wildcats past defending AAA state champion Maryville 60-55 in the semi-final round of the region 2AAA playoffs.
The contest was tight throughout the first half with Oak Ridge senior point Jared Stephens contolling tempo and scoring on his patented short jumpers. Maryville senior guard Wes Lambert kept the Rebels close knocking down three deep shots of his own and the Cats held a slight 34-31 advantage at the break.
With Appalachian State signee Quinche Dowdell saddled with foul difficulties the Wildcats were forced to look elsewhere for scoring and motivation. In comes Trent.
The 6'4 junior went on his rampage and answered every Jay Reynolds short jumper and every Aaron Douglas powermove with another dagger.
The win moves Oak Ridge to the region title game where they will meet Bearden, a 64-55 winner over Farragut.
Stephens led the Wildcats in the scoring column finishing with 16, while the man of the hour Trent finished with 13 large.
Maryville got balanced scoring but had trouble with turnovers throughout the contest. Reynolds led the Rebels with 13, Douglas added 12, Lambert finished with 11 and senior Jordan Damron finished with 10.
