With four fouls, and the game on the line, CSAS Senior Rodney marsh came up with the biggest steal of his career as he stripped the ball from McMinn's Daniel Nicolo and promptly was fouled. What would happen next created the most drama filled 3 seconds in the 2005 postseason.

"Rodney has talent oozing out of his ears, but he also does the small
things. He hits the floor and goes for loose balls, too," commented Coach Dragoo.

Marsh stepped to the line with three seconds on the clock with his team up by two. As his second free throw dribbled out of the rim, McMinn grabbed the rebound and attempted to call a time out. Even though they did not have any remaining time outs, there was no repeat of Chris Webber. Instead, the crowd was handed complete confusion due to a score table discrepancy ending in a CSAS possession with only 2.5 seconds remaining.

McMinn would have yet another chance, however, as they received possession
after a full court bomb that touched no players.

The inbound came in, the shot went up, and rolled out. CSAS fans stormed the court, only to be rejected a celebration when the official called a late foul at the buzzer, putting McMinn's (#11) on the line with a chance to tie the game.

"I could tell right when the shot left his hands that he was off right," said CSAS's Thomas Cable.

Off it was, and the faithful crowd would now be able to flood the court and celebrate with their team.

"Our six seniors showed a lot of heart and desire tonight," said Coach
Dragoo. "They did not want to lose. We stunk in the tournament last week."

The Patriots started off red hot, taking a commanding 47-31 lead at
halftime. It took McMinn 14 minutes to finally recover from their deficit, behind Junior Beau Brown, who sunk nine 3-pointers to complete his 40 point effort.

Rodney Marsh posted 31 points in the game, despite not playing for most of the third quarter as he was in foul trouble.

"We were just focused," said Marsh. Before the game, on the bus ride, we were completely focused. The only reason we lose games is because we don't play to our full potential."

The Patriots had four boys in double digits on Monday night, including
Thomas Cable who had 13, Austin Ragland who had 11, and Dante McCullough with 10.

"Anybody can score on this team. We have to set a tone for the rest of the tournament," commented McCullough.

McCullough found more fortune distributing than he did finding open shots on Monday night, connecting with several teammates after driving to the paint. Notably, McCullough hooked up with Johnny Watson for a monster slam, temporarily demoralizing the McMinn Chargers.

"It's a team sport," said McCullough. "We have to just be consistent in our play."

The Patriots will move to the semifinal round on Wednesday night at
Cleveland State Community College.

CSAS.28.19.18.12.77
McMinn.18.13.24.20.75

CSAS:
Rodney Marsh - 31, Thomas Cable - 13, Austin Ragland - 11, Dante McCullough
- 10, Martell Powell - 8, Johnny Watson - 4.

McMinn:
Beau Brown - 40, Blake Derrick - 10, Daniel Nicolo - 9, Casey Browder - 5, Rob Bledsoe - 4, Mikey Price - 4, Julian Boyd - 3.

Tyner Defense Earns Early Regional Victory

It took more than 11 minutes for the Lady Rams of Tyner to pick up
their first foul in the 2nd half on Monday night as the 26-4 Tyner stifled the Chargerettes of McMinn County 53-32.

"That's just playing smart," commented Tyner Coach Terri Parks. "It's using your head, anticipating, and staying in those passing lanes."

The Rams got off to a quick start, outscoring McMinn 16-4 in the first
quarter, and never lost the lead in the game even after an eight point 3rd quarter from Lady Charger Cami McCaslin. McCaslin led McMinn with 13 points.

"The coaches were just not satisfied at halftime," said Coach Parks. "We were flat. We got them at halftime about relaxing. We'll have to step it up a whole lot more, though."

Katrich Williams led all scoring for Tyner with 21 points including a
3-pointer and a 10 for 10 effort from the charity stripe.

Tyner shot 15 for 16 as a team from the free throw line, securing the much needed first round regional win in the face of a quasi-merciless opposing crowd.

"The kids did a good job of staying focused tonight," explained Coach
Parks. "We tell our kids that they have only two people to listen to, and those are the coaches."

The Lady Rams received most of their points from high defensive pressure and quick ball movement up the court.

"We were holding the ball too long, and probably dribbling too much," said Parks. "When we pass, good things tend to happen. Passing is always better. We move the ball around and get it to the open man. It's not rocket science."

Tyner will advance to the Regional semifinal on Wednesday night at
Cleveland State Community College.

Tyner.16.4.12.21.53
McMinn Central.4.8.8.12.32

Tyner:
Katrich Williams - 21, Ashley Strickland - 15, Shay Hilton - 8, Denisha Leftwich - 7, Lauren Polk - 2.

McMinn Central:
Cami McCaslin - 13, Katie Bivens - 9, Kate Morgan - 4, Casey Osborne - 2, Mindy Rayburn - 2, Katlyn Bivens - 2.

Meigs Gets 33 from Cornelius, Wins in Double Overtime

The Meigs County Tigers played three overtime games this year including one with five overtime periods before they arrived in the regional tournament.

On Monday night they felt right at home in the extra periods, as they
connected four times from behind the arc, and held on to a one points victory over Hixson 78-77.

"We played better than we played all last week," commented Meigs Coach Sammy Perkins.

The Tigers hooked up 10 times from 3-point land, receiving the much needed outside presence from Robbie Cornelius, Scott Miller, Lennie Phillips and Marcus Million, who all scored in double digits for Meigs.

"This time of season that's good to hear," said Tiger Coach Sammy Perkins. "We've had two on and two off all season. Having all four clicking is nice."

Robbie Cornelius exploded from the field for 33 points on the night,
including three 3-pointers and several clutch free throws in the 2nd
overtime period after missing in the 1st OT.

"I never have problems with free throws," commented Cornelius.

The Tigers' defense was not always dominant against the relentless
Wildcats, however. Johnny Carter scored 24 points for Hixson, receiving a supporting act from Brett Smalley, Kyle Wood, and Will Hageman, who all finished the night with double figure points.

"He's just smooth," said Meigs' Coach Perkins about Johnny Carter. "I was impressed with Hixson. You could see why they won their district. Every time we made a shot, they would bring it right back down and get one on us."

Scott Miller scored 18 points on the night, gathering three of those points converting on a last second set play to send the game into an extra period.

"He's been sick all day," said Robbie Cornelius. "I have confidence in my teammates, and that was a big shot for him."

The Tigers' knew that they had to come into Monday night's affair well prepared for the strong Hixson squad.

"Coach made a list of things for us to work on," said Cornelius. "Little
things. We didn't want to bail them out. Everybody wanted it tonight. We hadn't played too well for our last three games. We wanted it bad."

Meigs will advance to the semifinal round on Wednesday night at Cleveland
State Community College.

Hixson.11.17.15.14.9.10.77
Meigs.13.13.16.15.9.12.78

Hixson:
Johnny Carter - 24, Brett Smalley - 15, Kyle Wood -15, Will Hageman - 14, Keeven Addison - 4, Phil Phillips - 3, Josh Green - 2.

Meigs:
Robbie Cornelius - 33, Scott Miller - 18, Lennie Phillips - 12, Marcus
Million - 11, Aaron Fitch - 4.

Lady Mustangs relentless in 78-36 win

"We realized that once we lost we're done, and we're not ready to lose yet," said Walker Valley's Mindy Cox. Cox and the Mustangs' came out firing on both ends of the floor in Monday night's regional game, putting CSAS's season to an end with a 78-36 win.

After putting the Lady Patriots into a 1st quarter 29-5 deficit, the
Mustangs mustered more than enough guster to eliminate CSAS.

"We just wanted to shoot the ball well," said Walker Valley Coach. "Which we did. It makes it easier for our inside players."

Walker Valley had 13 girl's score on Monday night, but was led by Alyson Butler, who had 18 points, and Mindy Cox, who had 14.

"They're our leading scorers," said Coach. "I hope they carry the team with their leadership."

Butler knocked down three 3-pointers as she and Cox scored all but two of
their points in the 1st half as they spent almost the entire 2nd half on the bench.

"Allyson and I have been playing together since 4th grade," commented Cox. "We play all year 'round, and on the same AAU team. We really know each other's moves."

Butler feels anything but pressure in the leadership position that her
coach attributes to her.

"I know there's a lot of pressure for me and Mindy. I feel comfortable. I'd
rather be the go to person. If it's in my back and I mess up, I know it's me. It's a team game, but someone has to step up and be a leader."

The defensive pressure from Walker Valley was the source of most of the team's points, as the 2-3-1 full court trap baffled the CSAS backcourt into several turnovers.

"We're going to pressure you," said Coach. "We hope it comes out in our favor."

Walker Valley did find favor on Monday night as they will advance to the semifinals on Wednesday night.

CSAS.5.8.11.12.36
Walker Valley.29.27.9.13.78

Walker Valley:
Allyson Butler - 18, Mindy Cox - 14, Ashton Burrell - 10, Anna Thomas - 6, Alex Walker - 5, Ashley Alverson - 5, Tichina Isom - 5, Suzanne Morris - 5, Anna Hunbard - 3, Kayla Martin - 2, O'asha Parks -2, Whitney Barton -2, Taryn Buckley - 1.

CSAS:
Joy Morgan - 11, Janese Malone - 6, Nicole Brogden - 5, Latrice Wickley - 4, Mara Naylor - 4, Chelle Allison - 4, Rhea Woods - 2.

Nate Drexler
nater412@hotmail.com