Independence Advances to State Basketball Champ Semis

By Wes Talley

The first match up in the AAA state tourney saw Independence, Region 6 champs, pitted against the runners-up from Region 2. Both teams missed out making it to the tournament last season, each losing in their sectionals, respectively.

First Half
First quarter action consisted of a free for all, both teams with a barrage of shots that would result in the highest scoring quarter for both teams on the day, 22-17 in favor of Indy. The Eagles owed their quick start to great court vision from senior, Grayson Murphy and efficient shooting from junior, Mac James.

In the second quarter Indy would establish themselves on the other end of the court as well. Only allowing 7 points and holding Bearden to 22% shooting. Heading into the half it was Indy 34, Bearden, 24.

2nd Half
Independence would bring back out that same intensity on the defensive end to start the second half, once again keeping the Bulldogs in the single digits at 8 points. That intensity carried over to the offensive end for the Eagles, extending their lead with an 18 point effort in the quarter, going two for four from behind the arc on an overall shooting performance of 53%.

Many experts around Tennessee high school basketball would have given the edge to Bearden before the tip, as they were ranked the number seven team in the state in public school rankings. But, as the old adage goes, that’s why they play the game. Indy would go on to upset Bearden behind a stellar effort from Belmont commit, Grayson Murphy, who nearly messed around and posted a triple-double on the day with 12 points, 6 assists and 10 rebounds. Final score 63-48

Independence will play again, Friday, at Grayson’s (MTSU’s) Murphy Center. Time and opponent TBD.

Share on Facebook

Tweet