EVENSVILLE, Tenn. -- Playing a key District 5-AAA game on the road Tuesday night, the Ooltewah Owls survived by defeating host Rhea County, 71-59.
The score was tied at 19 when the first quarter ended, but Ooltewah took a 29-24 lead into the dressing room at the half and never looked back.
The Owls were able to outscore the Golden Eagles by a 42-35 margin in the second half for the final 12-point difference.
"We were scoring, but our full-court defense was killing us in the first quarter," said Ooltewah coach Jesse Nayadley.
"For some reason, we were rotating and trapping at the wrong time. We've had so many games lately that we haven't practiced much. Our defense hasn't been as good.
"The positive thing is we've been playing really good half-court man defense and we've been hitting our shots on offense," he added.
Jervon Johnson scored 17 points and was one of four Ooltewah players in double figures.
Wesley Richey and Decorious Hixson were next with 16 apiece while Mikhail Creech finished with 11.
Tyler Wilkerson scored 16 points to lead Rhea County while Brandon Logsdon and Andrew Facciani both had 14.
Ooltewah is now 14-5 overall in 5-2 in 5-AAA with a huge district game at home on Friday against Walker Valley.
(Email John Hunt at tnmoose2002@aol.com)