TRIBE Wins Green Wave Classic

CLINTWOOD ? J.J. Kelly took a tough 51-44 win over Grundy to win the championship of the Greenwave Classic basketball tournament Saturday at Howard Deel Gymnasium.

"We had some kids step up and show some leadership," J.J. Kelly coach T.J. McAmis said. "Out of 10 games, in nine of them we've been leading in the fourth quarter. Four of our losses came from not finishing, but in this tournament we've closed all three games out. I still don't think we've peaked, there's a lot of potential we haven't hit yet but I think we're getting there."

The game was tied eight times through the first three quarters. But trailing by one entering the fourth quarter, the Indians went on a 9-0 run with Deven Miller, Chris Strouth and Devan Sproles all scoring during the run to take a 41-33 fourth quarter lead.

"I think Grundy got a little tired," said McAmis. "We went back to attacking on defense, putting a lot of pressure on them and I think that was the difference in the fourth quarter."

J.J. Kelly wouldn't give up the lead from that point. Grundy pulled to within two points a couple of times but could get no closer. The Indians who had struggled shooting free throws this year, made 6-of-8 down the stretch to put the game away.

Grundy only scored three points the final 4:41 of the game. They were cold from the floor making only one of their final 10 attempts. They were also hurt foul trouble with three starters fouling out of the contest.

"We got into foul trouble, Kelly played a strong man-to-man defense and we had problems with our offensive sets," Greg Rife, Grundy's coach said. "We didn't execute very well offensively. I had a good effort from my kids and that's all I can ask for. We just came up a little short tonight and I'll take the blame for that."

Grundy (5-4) was led by Cody Billiter who poured in a game-high 21 points. Joseph Stevens added 12 points. J.J. Kelly (5-5) had a balanced effort. Sproles and Miller each had 10 points. Blake Roberts added nine and Matthew Dotson had some clutch field goals and finished with six points.

Haysi 55, Clintwood 46

In an intense battle between two Dickenson County rivals, Haysi (5-4) outlasted Clintwood (1-8) to take third place. Jeremy Yates had two clutch 3's in the fourth quarter to help lead the Tigers to the win.

"Jeremy is only a sophomore but right now, he's probably our best pure shooter," Haysi coach Larry Compton said. "He's just not going to get a shot off against a lot of pressure. But if he can get the space he has perfect form for the three."

Clintwood jumped out to an early lead but Haysi came back to take a 23-21 lead at the half. The teams were tied going to the final stanza. It stayed close and was tied three times in the fourth quarter. With 3:02 to play in the game Clintwood's Evan Vanover drove the basket and scored to give the Greenwave a 46-45 lead. Clintwood would go scoreless in the game from that point, going 0-for-6 from the floor.

The Tigers next possession they took the lead on the 3-pointer from Jeremy Yates. After a Clintwood miss, Chris Fleming scored for the Tigers then their next possession Tyler Mullins dropped in another huge 3 from the top of the key as Haysi defeated Clintwood for the second time this season.

J.I. Burton 52, Northwood 48

J.I. Burton came into the tournament without a win, but the Raiders have now put together a modest two-game winning streak after taking fifth place.

J.I. Burton received a late start with their football team in the playoffs and will likely have to play the basketball season without All-Region D guard Jaycob Coleman who was injured in a football game against Pound in early October.

The Panthers played a 2-3 zone defense most of the game and double-teamed J.I. Burton post Ethan Stewart but he still finished with a double-double scoring 19 points and hauling down 12 rebounds. The Raiders also received a big night from Pat Begley with a game-high 20 points.

Jacob Caudill provided much of the outside scoring for J.I. Burton (2-4) finishing with nine points on three treys. Northwood (4-6) was led by Zach Roberts with 13 and Chris Robinson with 12 points.

Pound 46, Ervinton 41

In consolation contest the Pound Wildcats took their first win of the season defeating Ervinton.

The Rebels didn't have an answer for the Wildcats big man Erik Bolling. He was easily the difference in the game logging a double-double with 19 points and 11 rebounds to lead Pound to the win.

Pound led most of the game but the Rebels with a full-court press rallied in the fourth quarter and took the lead 40-38 on free throws by Luke Rasnick with 2:32 left in the game. The Wildcats closed out the game on an 8-1 run. Bryan Keith was tough down the stretch from the line making 4-of-4 the final minutes for Pound (1-10).

Rasnick, a senior ,had an outstanding game for the Rebels (1-8) finishing with 18 points.