All Haile the Saints

Southside boys topple Lexington for championship

From staff reports

MURFREESBORO — With 10 losses, Southside's boys became an unlikely state champion Saturday by overtaking Lexington 53-47 in the James C. Haile final at Middle Tennessee Christian.

Southside fell behind 17-13 in the first quarter but moved in front 26-23 by halftime and 39-35 through three. The Saints sank 12 of 16 free throws in the fourth for all but two of their 14 points in the period as they finished a 13-10 season.

"I didn't think it was possible with this group, but they put it together at the right time," said Southside coach Kevin Huddleston, whose Saints reached the Haile final three of the last four seasons, but this was their first title during this span. "[Lexington] was an awful good team."

Southside had to deal with Lexington's 6-foot-1 Tylan Johnson, who poured in 29 points while playing all five positions. He had 18 in the first half and threw in three 3-pointers.

Cole McCorkle collected 13 points and fellow post Adam Williams 10 for Southside. Dawson Hamilton had nine, Ray Coggins and Gannon Starnes seven each, Ethan Shelton six and Mason Mobley a free throw.

Hamilton, Williams and McCorkle were named to the all-tournament team.

MJCA girls close regular season with win at Merrol Hyde

HENDERSONVILLE — Mt. Juliet Christian's girls closed their regular season Monday night with a 25-14 triumph at Merrol Hyde.

MJCA's boys were on the short end of a 30-13 score.

The Lady Saints led 5-4 following the first quarter, 12-6 at halftime and 24-11 through three as they secured their sixth win.

Marcella Gallione tossed in two three-pointers in leading the Lady Saints with 11 points. Caroline Hibbett finished with five while Caitlyn Smith, Abi Hildebrand, Courtney Wall and Anna Miller each managed two and Ciara Farris a free throw.

Mt. Juliet Christian's boys were behind 9-5 at halftime before being shut out 11-0 in the third quarter.

Connor Dunn made a living off of offensive putbacks to lead Merrol Hyde with 13 points.

Alex Pitman scored six points, Bailey Jones three and Nathan Smith and Trent Graves two each for the Saints.

Both Mt. Juliet teams drew Nashville Christian for the first games of the Greater Nashville Athletic Conference tournament which will open Thursday at NCS. The girls will play at 4:30 p.m. and the boys to follow.