The Brainerd Panthers took care of business in a big way Saturday afternoon in the second District 6-AA semifinal at Red Bank. The first saw Central shoot out to a large lead only to have Hixson roar back to within one by the start of the final period, before locking it down for a 68-60 win and a chance to meet Brainerd for the larger gold plaque.
The host and number five seeded Lions kept it close for three quarters before falling by a 67-56 spread. Number one seeded Brainerd's Marques Tipton ripped the nets for 17 points to lead all scorers. Jessie Walker was good for 14 more Panther points.
The Lions did establish a new long distance carrier company to handle the call volume where previously a three-point arc had been painted, The Lions dialed long distance up so much they needed their own area code, Kolbi Settles, Will Davis and Malik McConnell each had their own personal long distance operator who was making the ball sing towards the hoop, as the trio hit two treys apiece.
Davis led Red Bank scorers with 14 points.
With the win, Brainerd moves on to face Central for the district boys championship on Tuesday night at 7:30. While the Purple Pounders sputtered a bit in the late going, it'll be a sure thing that Central coach Rick Rogers will have his team rearing to go,
With unfinished business left for both squads, Red Bank and Hixson will face off for third place and to determine seeding for the Region tournament as the top four teams advance from each district.
In girls action, Tyner and East Ridge go at it at 6:00 pm on Monday for the third and fourth place district qualifiers.
On Tuesday, at 6:00 pm, #3 seed, Brainerd takes on #2 seed Central for the girls championship with the boys stepping in to tip it off at 7:30 pm between the Brainerd Panthers and the Central Purple Pounders,
Other Scores in 6-AA tournament play:
Girls: Central 49 East Ridge 20
Girls: Brainerd 52 Tyner 39
Boys: Central 68 Hixson 60
Scoring Summary:
Red Bank 12 16 12 16 - 56
Brainerd 15 18 14 20 - 67
Red Bank (56) - Will Davis 14, Malik Davis 11, Suttles 10, Tredyal 10, 10, McConnell 8, Davis 3
Brainerd (67) - Marques Tipton 17, Jessie Walker 14, Da'v Moore 11, Ross 10, Beavers 7, Evan 6, Melvin 2
In action next week:
For 3rd Place - Monday, 2/16 (Played at Red Bank's Gym)
Girls: East Ridge vs Tyner - 6:00 pm
Boys: Hixson vs Red Bank - 7:30 pm
Championships - Tuesday, 2/17 (Played at Red Bank's Gym):
Girls: Brainerd vs Central - 6:00 pm
Boys: Central vs Brainerd - 7:30 pm