Region 8-4A 1st round: Memphis Overton defeats Bartlett
Memphis Overton defeated Bartlett, 57-54, in the first round of the TSSAA Regional 8-4A Boys’ Tournament. Here are 3 takeaways from the Wolverines’ win over the Panthers: Toughness and guts It was a close game from start to finish, with…
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Continue ReadingMemphis Overton defeated Bartlett, 57-54, in the first round of the TSSAA Regional 8-4A Boys’ Tournament.
Here are 3 takeaways from the Wolverines’ win over the Panthers:
Toughness and guts
It was a close game from start to finish, with each team trading leads throughout the contest. In the fourth quarter, Bartlett led by five early after a made basket by senior forward Javar Daniel (12 points). Two minutes later, junior wing Christian Alston (17 points) converted on two free throws to give the Panthers a 46-42 lead. Each time Bartlett looked to create a gap, Memphis Overton made timely scores to get within one possession.
Senior Qua Gatewood made a big 3 from the left wing to give the Wolverines a 53-50 lead. Then, four made free throws by senior point guard Jordan Frison and senior forward Jailen Hardaway sealed the win.
A couple of defensive stops occurred in the fourth quarter that helped Memphis Overton get the home playoff win. The Wolverines picked up their defensive pressure and forced the Panthers’ senior guard Devin Crockett into a turnover. Sophomore point guard KJ Neville also had a turnover with under two minutes to go in the fourth quarter.
It took toughness and guts for Memphis Overton to withstand each of Bartlett’s scoring punch, rebounding and shot altering.
“My guys were scrappy. I told them ‘As long as y’all play tough, we can do it’,” said Shelvie Rose, who celebrated with his team once the buzzer sounded. “So we just dug deep.”
Unsung heroes
Jordan Frison saw double teams for 32 minutes. It was evident that the Panthers wanted someone other than Frison to make a shot or the right basketball play. On a night when the losing team goes home, Frison’s teammates had his back and delivered in the biggest way.
Sophomore guard Gary Greer converted on a 3-point play midway through the fourth quarter. Gatewood’s 3 came when the game was tied 50-all. Hardaway did a great job of altering shots, rebounding, and being physical. All three players played a pivotal part in helping the Wolverines advance.
“I was very happy,” Rose said. “I told Xavier (Alexander), ‘Your time is going to come tonight, because they’re going to double team Jordan every single time he gets the ball, and they did that. Jordan just trusted his teammates.”
Frison led the Wolverines with 22 points. Alexander had 13.
Free throw opportunities
Memphis Overton spent crucial moments at the free throw line in the fourth quarter. Frison, Hardaway, and Alexander combined to go 12 for 15 on the night.
Updated bracket
District 15 No. 1 Collierville defeated District 16 No. 4 Memphis Central. The Wolverines will play the Dragons on Tuesday at 6:00 p.m. at Houston High School.
District 16 No. 1 Memphis East defeated Houston, and District 16 No. 3 Whitehaven defeated District 15 No. 2 Southwind. The Mustangs and Tigers will battle in the second game on Tuesday at 7:45 p.m.