Story By Cinthia Rico
Top-seeded North Sand Mountain edged Skyline 73-72 to claim their third Jackson County Tournament title and the program 13 overall last Saturday night at Skyline.
“Super excited for the guys, luckily we were able to win three out of four county championships,” NSM head coach Cole Hicks said. “These guys battled all year, it’s supposed to have been a down year for us, but to be able to finish the county tournament as champions and have a 19-4 record is super special.”
Both teams hit the court with full force, trading baskets as they battle for dominance. With the game tied at 14 NSM’s Nyle Poore added a pair of free throws and the Bison took the lead.
A few plays later, late in the second quarter, Brody Helton further NSM’s advantage to 41-30. Skyline’s Bryant Kennamer narrowed the game to 41-36.
The Bison held a 43-36 halftime advantage. The Vikings rallied in the third to cut the deficit 44-42, but NSM settled into a groove and turned up the heat, sinking three 3s and furthering their advantage by 12 points.
Skyline’s Will Avans tied the game at 59 in the fourth frame as the Vikings rallied for a comeback, but NSM answered with three Landon Keller 3-pointers.
With seconds left of regulation, the Bison held it together as the Vikings attempted two potential game-changing shots en route to a 73-72 final.
Of the game, Hicks said, “We try to get as many guys in as possible, try to build some depth, and wear people down.”
Tournament MVP, Chandler Sullivan finished with 30 rebounds, per the AHSAA, which placed him tied for the fourth most rebounds in AHSAA single-game history.
Landon Keller led North Sand Mountain with 20 points, including six 3s. Chandler Sullivan netted 18 points, Nyle Poore and Kaden Brown added 10 points apiece, including two 3-point shots each, Jack Johnson and Brody Helton, both finished with five points, Andrew Palmer chipped in three and Josue Luna two points for the Bison.
Chase Bickers paced Skyline in double-digit scoring with 23 points. Bryant Kennamer added 22 points, Jayten Prince netted 13, Will Avans, Scott York and Dillon Stephens each had four points, and Sam Utter chipped in two points.
All-tournament team:
Chandler Sullivan, North Sand Mountain (MVP); Connor Brown, NSM; Landon Keller, NSM; Chase Bickers, Skyline; Jayten Prince, Skyline; Bryant Kennamer, Skyline; Mason Holcomb, Pisgah; Sam Peek, Woodville; Cadelle McDonald, North Jackson; Aaron Waldrop, Section.
