ALABASTER – The Thompson Warriors faced a tough test right out of the gate in area play, but they passed with flying colors to upset the No. 3 team in the Class 7A media rankings, the Tuscaloosa County Wildcats.
Thompson defeated Tuscaloosa County 73-67 on Tuesday, Jan. 6 at Warrior Arena after winning the third quarter 22-12 to give the hosts a lead that they would not relinquish.
The two teams were closely matched in the first quarter, but Landyn Smith helped push the Warriors in front with his first six points of the night. While he continued to be a factor throughout the game, the first quarter saw five of his teammates help out with points.
Thompson slightly outpaced the Wildcats in the opening period and led 16-14 at the end of the first eight minutes of play.
Cam Pritchett attacked the basket in the second quarter and came away with his first six points of the night, and Smith and Matt Bevelle complemented him with four points apieceTheir contributions helped the Warriors match Tuscaloosa County's 18-point second and take a 34-32 lead into the halftime locker room.
Thompson kicked into another gear in the third quarter, particularly on defense where it limited the Wildcats to 12 points in that span. Ethan Hudson took over and scored at each level to finish the quarter with 11 points. He hit a pair of 3-pointers and all three of his free throws as part of that.
Smith came alongside him and scored seven points in the third, and the pair combined for 18 of the Warriors' 22 points. Thompson extended its lead to double figures as it was up 46-34 going into the fourth quarter.
Tuscaloosa County roared back in a big way in the fourth quarter with 25 points to take the fight to the Warriors. Thompson kept the visitors at an arm's length though as
Riley Bryant hit all four of his free throws and Pritchett went 3-for-4 from the line.
That helped the Warriors finish off a five-point win to begin area play with an upset victory.
Smith led Thompson with 19 points, Hudson finished with 15 points and Pritchett earned 13 points. Bevelle and Bryant each scored eight points, Jason Parks grabbed six points and Kevin Davis rounded out the offense with four points.
The Warriors improved to 8-14 overall and 1-0 in area play with the win. Thompson will be back in action on Friday, Jan. 9 at 7:30 p.m. at Hillcrest-Tuscaloosa for another area matchup.
