Tigers second in NEA consolation

BROOKLAND — The Armorel Tigers led a majority of the game but were outscored by the Cross County Thunderbirds in the final quarter 21-11 to fall 65-58 in the finals of the NEA Invitational’s consolation bracket at Brookland High School Friday night. The Tigers (5-16) led 13-12 at the end of the first quarter but a questionable walk — that was a no-call — at the end of the half led to a layup for the Thunderbirds at the buzzer and Cross County led 31-30 at the half. The Tigers, however, came back with a big third quarter as they led 47-44. The fourth quarter the Thunderbirds got hot. Junior guard Hunter Holland led the Tigers with 17 points, three assists and a steal. Senior guard Quinn Crosskno chipped in 16 points and classmate guard Michael Peterson added 10 points.

Tigers defeat Patriots

The Tigers went back and forth in their NEA Tournament consolation matchup against the Palestine-Wheatley Patriots Monday afternoon before prevailing in overtime 70-64. The Tigers outscored the Patriots 13-7 in overtime as the two teams went into overtime knotted at 57.

Both teams were tied at 14 in the first quarter, but Palestine-Wheatley outscored the Tigers in the second quarter and led 33-30 at the half. The Tigers, however, tied the game after the third quarter with a score of 48. With roughly a minute left in the game the Tigers went to the stall game to hold for the final shot. With 10 seconds left in the game Tigers senior guard Quinn Crosskno started the play called by Tigers head coach Shannon Miller and was fouled shortly afterwards. The Tigers had a little over nine seconds for a play and senior forward Michael Peterson took a long three but it hit off the backboard. The Tigers had three players with 20-plus points. Crosskno led the way with 22 points, seven assists, four rebounds and four steals. Junior guard Hunter Holland and Peterson finished with 21 points apiece. Junior Drew Culp finished with four points and senior CJ Simmons chipped in two points.