Tucker’s Tavares Myers hit a buzzer-beating, 30-foot three-pointer to propel the Tigers to a 43-40 win over previously unbeaten Henderson. (Photo courtesy of Coolie Bai Highlights)
Henderson and Lithonia saw their five-game runs to start the 2018 middle school basketball season come to an end with losses during Week 4.
Henderson fell 43-40 to Tucker as the Tigers’ Tavares Myers hit a three-pointer from about 30 feet at the buzzer to propel Tucker (4-2, 3-0) into the lead in the Region 1 standings.
Henderson which had won a buzzer beater over previously undefeated Stephenson during Week 3 was tied 40-40 with Tucker late in the game in part due to the play of William Parker who was 6-7 from the field including five three-pointers. Parker finished with 17 points and teammate Ben Lang added 10 points.
The Lithonia Bulldogs (5-1, 2-1) lost its undefeated status and Region 3 lead with a 49-43 loss to a surging Redan Raiders (4-1, 3-0) squad.
The Freedom Rams evened their record at 3-3 on the season with a 62-60 Region 3 double overtime thriller over Salem (2-4, 0-3).
Bethune improved to 3-3 overall and 1-1 in Region 4 action with a 51-24 win over Columbia (0-6, 0-3). Rashod Dubinion hit for 14 points and grabbed six rebounds and six steals in the win.
Defending middle school champ Chamblee upped its record to 4-2 overall and 2-1 in Region 1 with a 53-38 win over Peachtree (2-4, 0-3).
Champion upped its record to 4-2 overall and 2-2 in Region 2 with a 48-38 win over Druid Hills. Druid Hills was led by Harry Gewirtz with 14 points (4 three-pointers).
Renfroe is making a strong run in Region 2 early in the season following a 49-38 victory over Stone Mountain. Renfroe improved to 4-1 overall and 2-0 in the region standings.
In girls’ action, the Peachtree Lady Patriots became the first team to reach 6-0 on the season with a 41-16 victory over Chamblee. Peachtree is 6-0 overall and 3-0 in Region 1. Tucker (3-3, 2-1) trails Peachtree in the region standings by one game as the Lady Tigers evened their record at 3-3 with a 29-22 win over Henderson despite 15 points by Henderson’s Adia Bouldin.
A pair of Region 4 girls’ teams improved to 5-1 on the season with victories in Week 4. Cedar Grove (5-1, 3-1) remains in second place in the region following a 40-20 win over McNair (3-2, 0-2). Bethune (5-1, 2-1) is in third place following a 22-8 win over Columbia (2-4, 0-3).
Two-time defending girls’ title winner Champion (4-2, 2-2) evened its Region 2 record with a 42-7 win over Druid Hills (1-5, 0-2). Redan (2-3, 2-1) put the first blemish on Lithonia’s Region 3 record (3-3, 2-1) via a 29-22 victory to move into a tie for second behind idle Miller Grove (2-3, 2-0).
All Saturday, December 12 games postponed by the snow have been rescheduled for Thursday, January 4.