By David Sharp
Both teams were short handed entering the December 4, 2021 boys third place game of the 4th Annual Tri-Rivers Classic. Knox County was missing three starters and five players. Scotland County had at least three contributors missing because of a Tiger Band trip.
Knox County ran their overall record to 3-1 on the season with a 58-52 win over Scotland County. Kabe Hamlin fired in a game high 20 Tiger points. Corbin Spurgeon was in double figures with ten points. Hunter Holt and Xavier Lucas added eight points each.
Knox County got a 19 point effort from center Nelson Shinkle. Both Kabe Hamlin and Nelson Shinkle made the All Tournament team. Tanner Gillaspy turned in a 13 point game. Braydon Miller was in double figures with 12 points. Colin Hayes scored eight points. Kellen Parrish added six Eagle points.
Knox County fired out to a 15-8 first quarter lead. The Tigers turned up their intensity after Knox County took a 31-21 lead with five minutes remaining in the third quarter. The Eagles led 26-12 at the half.
Knox County turnovers and Scotland County fast break buckets led the Tigers back within a 39-36 deficit entering the fourth quarter. Kellen Parrish tossed in a key Knox County home run ball for a 42-39 lead at the 7:20 mark of the fourth quarter.
The teams battled throughout the final period. Hunter Holt tied the game with a free throw at the 2:54 mark of the fourth quarter. Colin Hayes and Kellen Parrish answered with KCHS free throws. Parrish had a put back two pointer for a 54-50 KC lead with 50 seconds to play in the game.
Nelson Shinkle put the Eagles up 56-50 with 40 seconds to play. Scotland County had opportunities to pull closer in the last 40 seconds but could not cash in. Hunter Holt and Nathan Shinkle traded free throws in the final 30 seconds.
Knox County claimed the third place trophy with the 58-52 victory.
