Blue Devils pull away from Culleoka late

Lebanon's Blue Devils scored a 62-44 victory over the Culleoka Warriors Friday at Campbell Brandon Gymnasium/Hester Gibbs Court in a season-opening TSSAA Hall of Champions game.
The second half proved the difference as Lebanon began to pull away with some solid defense. The Blue Devils established a 10-point margin by the end of the third quarter with the score 44-34.
"Our guys played hard," Blue Devil coach Doug Keil said.
Lebanon outscored Culleoka 18-10 in the final quarter to seal the win.
The Blue Devils led the entire way ending the first with a five-point lead and going into the locker room at the half leading 25-17.
"For your first game, your glad to get a win," Keil said. "The guys went out and gave a great effort."
Seniors O'Keefe McCarver and Terrence Logue led the way for Lebanon, scoring a combined 30 points. McCarver fired in 16 with Logue just behind adding 14. Michael Edwards put in eight, Ken Walton six, Hershal McCathern and Connor Burger four apiece, Alex Johnson three and Xavier Smith two.
Demario Williams knocked down 13 points for the Warriors.
Lebanon senior Craig Hutto watched his teammates triumph from the sideline. Keil said there is no timetable for a possible return to the court for Hutto.
"It depends on how his rehab goes," he said. "He is very much a part of this team."
The Blue Devils will bus to Pickett County today for another Hall of Champions game against Stone Memorial. Girls tipoff is at 3 p.m. with the boys to follow.

Purple Tigers pounded at Jackson County
GAINESBORO — Watertown's Purple Tigers suffered an 87-50 defeat at Jackson County in a TSSAA Hall of Champions game Friday.
Watertown was able to pull within six int the final period before sending Jackson County players to the free-throw line for 15 points at the end of the quarter.
The Tigers, who beat Monterey in their opener Tuesday, held a two-point lead at the end of the first quarter before Jackson County took control.
The margin widened to 41-27 in favor of Jackson County by halftime and the Blue Devils had the advantage 56-40 at the close of the third quarter.
Aaron Fountain led the Purple Tigers with 26 points. Justin Breece and Seth Pritchett tossed in five apiece for Watertown. James Shrum and Levi Tschaekofske each put in four, Victor Loza three, Nick Lennox two and Zack Neal a free throw.
The Tigers host Red Boiling Springs on Monday with the girls tipoff at 6:30 p.m.
Staff Writer Kimberly Jordan can be reached at 444-3952 ext. 16 or by email at kimberly.jordan@lebanondemocrat.com.