3 observations from Bartlett’s win over Cordova
Bartlett (16-1) defeated Cordova, 63-60, in overtime Friday night in the Memphis Hoopfest. It was the Wolfpack’s first loss of the 2023 season. Here are 3 observations from the Panthers’ win: Staying the course Cordova, led by senior point guard…
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Continue ReadingBartlett (16-1) defeated Cordova, 63-60, in overtime Friday night in the Memphis Hoopfest. It was the Wolfpack’s first loss of the 2023 season.
Here are 3 observations from the Panthers’ win:
Staying the course
Cordova, led by senior point guard Emerson Tenner, was having its way with a physical Bartlett team for most of the second half. Tenner, for the most part, got great looks at the rim, got into the lane whenever he wanted to, knocking down floaters and mid-range jump shots. Tenner, who led all scorers with 35 points, made two free throws late in the fourth quarter to put the Wolfpack up 53-47.
But, the lead quickly vanished with a deep 3 from senior wing DJ McIntyre. At that moment, Cordova’s lead was 54-52. With under ten seconds left in the fourth quarter, Bartlett had possession. Junior point guard KJ Neville KJ Neville 6'2" | PG Bartlett | 2025 State TN ‘s 3-point attempt clanked off the back of the rim, but senior forward R’Chaun King was there to get the offensive rebound and putback.
At that very moment, King, who finished with 21 points and 13 rebounds, had given the Panthers momentum and a pulse for another four minutes.
”All of us are closed netted,” King said. “We hang out all the time. We talk all the time. We just got it done.”
King, who converted on 7 of 12 free throws, scored the first two points in overtime. The Panthers were able to get enough stops to come out with the win.
Much-needed win
R’Chaun King R’Chaun King 6'6" | PF Bartlett | 2024 State TN knows the importance of getting district wins. The road to Murfreesboro, Tennessee is officially underway. Each district win from now until early February is important for seeding purposes in the TSSAA Class 4A District 15 tournament. King helping his team get a quality win over a talented Wolfpack team could bolster Bartlett’s confidence when the two programs meet again on Jan. 30.
”This was a very important win against the No. 1 team in the state,” King said. “We knew we had to get this one.”
Fun times are ahead
Playing for a Class 4A state title should be the ultimate goal for both teams. These two teams could meet, at least, two more times, depending on how the district standings play out. Bartlett’s best perimeter player, Christian Alston, didn’t have his standard performance, finishing the night with 15 points. The senior wing did make the most of his opportunities from the free throw line, going 8 for 9.
As for Cordova (16-1), Julius Thedford, who’s been on a tear this season, scored only 12 points and was in foul trouble in the second half. Senior guard Jay Tyler, who’s another solid scoring option for the Wolfpack, had just one point.
In short, the Panthers had to lean on King to grind out a win. Tenner single-handily put the Wolfpack on his shoulders and almost carried them to a win.
Fun times are ahead. The second meeting between these two programs should be a good one.