By: Adam Freeman
The Tucker County Mt. Lions Basketball Team opened its season last week playing two opponents. On Monday, December 16th, Tucker played host to the Mt. Ridge Miners. Tucker got out to an early double-digit lead over the Miners, 19-7, at the end of the first quarter. The Mt. Lions would continue to hold the lead going into the second quarter and went into the break with a score of 31-18. Tuckers’ third quarter would produce its lowest total of any quarter, only massing 12 points in the period. Tucker, however, would still maintain a double-digit lead at 43-28. The Mt. Lions would finish off the victory in their first game of the season with a final score of 59-45. Tucker was led on the night by seniors Trevan Bonner who had 17 points and 8 assists, and Garrett Wilfong who had 16 points, 9 rebounds, and 6 steals. Junior guard Mikey Mitchell also added 14 points.
The Mt. Lions would then make the trip to Franklin on Wednesday, December 18th, to take on the Pendleton County Wildcats, in what would be a tightly contested game that would come down to the final few minutes to be decided. Tucker would trail at the end of quarter one, 15-14 in favor of the Wildcats. The Mt. Lions would, however, tie the game up at halftime with a score of 35 all. The Wildcats would take the lead back in the third, gaining a 54-52 edge in the contest. Tucker would not go quietly into the night, as they scored 19 points in the final period and held Pendleton to 8 points to take the win, 71-62. The Mt. Lions were led on the night by Garrett Wilfong who had a career high of 33 points, 16 rebounds and 5 blocks. Trevan Bonner added 12 points and 4 rebounds. Tucker will return home Friday, December 20th, to take on Tygarts Valley at 6 pm and on Monday, December 23rd, facing Gilmer County with tipoff at 6 pm.