Colton McGuire (12) goes in for the shot. (Photo by Brayleigh Boggs, Carter County Times)
Coach Cole Brammer converses with his team following the first quarter. (Photo by Brayleigh Boggs, Carter County Times)
By Brayleigh Boggs
Carter County Times
East Carter battled possession-for-possession Friday night, but a late surge by Lewis County proved too much to overcome, as the Raiders fell 66-54.
Despite early momentum and multiple second-half runs, turnovers and foul trouble hindered East Carter’s ability to close the gap. Lewis County capitalized on key opportunities throughout the night to secure the victory.
East Carter opened the night with early energy as the Raiders jumped out to a quick 3-2 lead over Lewis County. But from the opening tip, it was clear the Lions weren’t going to make it easy.
Lewis County’s Daylen Bivens (32) answered with a basket to give the Lions their first spark, while Caden Tussey (15) countered on the other end to keep East within reach. A steal by Lewis County’s Julian Puente (11) shifted the tempo, and although Grant Menix (10) fought for an offensive rebound, Lewis continued to capitalize. The Lions moved ahead 6-5 before William Burton (5) knocked down a three-pointer to briefly swing momentum back toward the Raiders.
Puente (11) responded with an and-one finish for Lewis County, and East’s Max Karle (11) stepped to the line for two free throws after drawing contact. Lewis County maintained control, stretching its lead to 13-10. The Lions continued to find success inside, while Menix (10) battled through contact for an opportunity of his own. Bivens (32) added another basket late in the quarter, and by the end of the first, Lewis County held a 19-14 advantage.
East Carter struggled with consistency to open the second quarter, turning the ball over and fighting to settle into rhythm. After a travel call on Lewis, the Raiders found life with a smooth backdoor pass to William Burton (5) for two. Jackson Steele (22) followed with a basket to narrow the gap to 22-18.
However, Bivens (32) struck again from beyond the arc, and Lewis County’s offensive chemistry continued to shine. A layup connection from Bivens (32) to Brody Detillion (15) widened the margin. Colton McGuire (12) grabbed a key rebound for East, and Puente (11) was called for a charge as the Raiders searched for momentum. Still, East Carter struggled to finish possessions. Lewis added another three-pointer, and although Thomas Burton (1) and Tussey (15) chipped in baskets, the Lions answered each push. Turnovers plagued both sides late in the half, but Lewis County maintained control heading into the break.
The Lions controlled possession at the start of the second half, wasting no time, heading straight for the rim and securing their first of many baskets in the third quarter. East Carter countered with their own pair of points, but it was no match for the seven straight Lewis had coming their way. Thomas Burton (1) kept the Raiders alive, along with Karle (11), who both brought in key shots for East.
The Raiders found a spark midway through the third with a 5-0 run, highlighted by a put-back from McGuire (12). Still, the defensive foul count began to climb, putting Lewis County back at the line. Tussey (15) fired up the home crowd with a long three-pointer, but Lewis answered dramatically with a clutch shot at the buzzer to close the third.
A turnover plagued East Carter’s offense to start the final eight minutes. On their next possession, McGuire (12) made a diving effort to keep the play alive, refusing to let momentum slip without a fight. With both teams struggling to find the net, Karle (11) and McGuire (12) continued attacking. A huge three-pointer from McGuire (12) brought the bench to its feet and cut the Lions’ lead to six.
With 3:47 left in the contest, Lewis County responded with a key basket and a momentum-shifting block to regain control. Back-to-back shots from Karle (11) kept the Raiders within striking distance, and missed opportunities by the Lions gave East hope late. But as the final seconds ticked away, the Raiders couldn’t overcome the deficit.
When the buzzer sounded, the scoreboard read 66-54 in favor of Lewis County, as East Carter’s late push fell just short.
Contact the writer at news@cartercountytimes.com
