Where Eagles Dare

Maryville Christian boys’ finish undefeated champions

The Blount County champion Maryville Christian School Eagles became the first elementary boys’ team at the school to win them all. Photos by Jolanda Jansma

By Stefan Cooper
Editor
Blount Press Row

The Maryville Christian School elementary boys’ basketball team didn’t just win a championship Tuesday night.

The Eagles did it with some pizzazz and some style.

Eagles guard Jamey Wright cuts the basket in the championship game.

A nice Jamey Wright drive and scoop layup was followed moments later by a textbook half hook from the baseline from teammate William English as Maryville Christian built a big early lead.

Prospect rallied in the middle quarters, but an equally big fourth quarter carried the Eagles to an historic 37-15 win in the National Conference championship game of the Blount County Elementary Basketball Tournament at Heritage Middle.

“They’re just resilient,” Maryville Christian coach Scott Kidd said. “It’s more of a brotherhood. It’s just an honor and a privilege for me to coach them.”

With the win, the 2013 Eagles (12-0) became the first elementary boys’ team in school history to finish the season undefeated. Eleven of the 12 wins were by 20 points or better.

A largely fifth-grade roster that returned in tact played a big part, Kid said.

“They came in as fifth-graders, and they just clicked,” he said.

English pumped in 24 points on a variety of shots in and around the basket. Wright finished with five, teammates Jacob Hagy and Boone Street four each.

William English, left, makes the give to Maryville Christian teammate Boone Street.

Kobe Johnson had nine points for Prospect (10-2), including a second quarter 3-pointer that lit the engines for the Tigers. Spencer Williams finished with six for Prospect.

“The shots just weren’t falling, and (the Eagles) are pretty tough,” Prospect coach Danny Orr said. “We just didn’t have anybody to match up with that height.

“This team never quit all season. They hustled, and we had a great season because of that.”

Prospect’s Spencer Williams looks for an opening.

English opened with eight points as Maryville Christian built a 14-0 lead after a quarter. The 3 from Johnson and scoring from Williams helped Prospect cut the deficit to 17-8 at the half. The Tiger guard tandem brought the Eagles within 21-14 to start the fourth.

“I was nervous until we scored again,” Hagy said. “Then I felt a little better.”

Maryville Christian held Prospect to a point over the final quarter to pull away.