Tigers shake off FCS, return to 8-A finals

By Andy Reed

andy.reed@lebanondemocrat.com

HARTSVILLE — It was four points instead of 40 this time, but Watertown's 45-41 victory over defending state champion Friendship Christian put the reigning District 8-A titlist back in the league championship game.

The Purple Tigers led most of the way, but couldn't maintain a 12-point lead from late in the second quarter as the Commanders slowed the tempo and  forced a 39-39 tie on two free throws by Andrew Wood with 2:27 left.

But Nick Sackman, who tied for Tiger scoring honors with 11 points off the bench, got two on a one-hander in the post at 2:12 to put the Purple back in front to stay.

Guard Josiah Smith sealed Watertown's 25th triumph [against three losses] with a breakaway layup in the closing seconds, sending the Purple Tigers back to Tuesday's 7:30 p.m. title game against Gordonsville while Trousdale County will face Friendship [9-14] in the 6 p.m. third-place game.

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