For the second year in a row, the Red Devils won a first-round game as the lower seed to advance to the semifinals. This time, Elkmont beat Clements on a last-second shot Monday to win 45-42 at Jimmy Drake Gymnasium at East Limestone High School.
“We were able to grind it out and made a big play at the end to win the game,” said Elkmont head coach Dennis Black. “Our kids continued to play hard. Through high points and low points, they kept playing. We were fortunate to get a couple of plays to tie it up and then ran a little play at the end and Noah (Sharp) hit a big shot at the end to win it.”
Clements led for most of the first half and took a 25-20 lead into halftime. The Colts held onto their lead for most of the second half until Elkmont tied the score with just over a minute to play. Black called time out with 16 seconds remaining to draw up a play, which Clements defended well, but Elkmont kept possession after the ball went out of bounds off a Colts player with three seconds left on the clock.
Black gathered his team around the clipboard one more time, only this time it worked.
Brady Garris inbounded the ball to Davis Hobbs, who made a quick pass to Sharp behind the 3-point. Sharp's 3-pointer went through the basket as the buzzer sounded, sending Elkmont into the Limestone County Tournament semifinals.
“It was a hard-fought game. Clements played really hard, give them credit,” said Black. “The biggest thing is we kept playing. We didn't shoot as well from the line as we have in the past, but we were able to do enough to win and move on.”
Patrick Jobman led Elkmont with 15 points followed by Chance Bailey with 13. Austin Harvell scored a game-high 18 points for Clements while Parker Hand added 10.
Elkmont might have been the lower seeded team Monday, but don't call the victory an upset. It was the Red Devil's eighth win in their last nine games and second win over Clements in the last two weeks.
“I think it's preparation. I contribute it to the kids. They play together,” said Black. “Our guys have worked hard during the Christmas break and they get to this point in the season believing that good things will happen. They are a close-knit group. They believe they can win.”
With the win, Elkmont advances to the tournament semifinals for the second straight season under Black. Last year, they defeated by 4A defending state champions West Limestone as a No. 6 seed. In a tournament where every game is a rivalry, Elkmont seems to revel in its competitive spirit.
“This time of year, everyone in the county puts a lot of effort into getting ready for the Limestone County Tournament,” said Black. “For the middle school and JV, it's the biggest games of their season. For varsity, it's the biggest tournament before area. You are playing your friends and cousins. It's a big week for everyone.”
In last year's tournament, the Red Devils nearly pulled off back-to-back upsets to reach the championship game. They led Tanner late in the 2016 semifinals, but lost a close game.
“We carried a lead into the fourth quarter and couldn't finish,” said Black. “Maybe we can give them a run and finish this time.”
Elkmont and Tanner tip off at 8 p.m. Thursday at Jimmy Drake Gymnasium in the Limestone County Tournament semifinals.
Jonathan Deal
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