Elizabethton dropped a heartbreaker on Tuesday night.
The Cyclones were unable to outlast Unicoi County in a 63-62 overtime decision in the District 1-3A Boys Championship game at Volunteer High School.
The Cyclones will hope Region 1-3A tournament play on Saturday at home against Cocke County.
It was a tight battle from the onset.
Bryce Van Huss and Nick Wilson scored four points apiece in the opening quarter as Unicoi held a slim 17-16 advantage after a quarter of play.
The teams continued to trade shots in the second quarter. Bryson Rollins scored seven points to lead Elizabethton in the frame, but the Cyclones trailed 35-34 at the break.
The second half was much the same, but Unicoi was able to stretch the lead out to five points entering the final quarter.
Elizabethton, however, didn’t go quietly as Jake Roberts sparked a fourth-quarter rally that saw the Cyclones force overtime.
After Unicoi used a quick run to take a five-point advantage, Elizabethton battled back once again but was unable to get back in front in the closing seconds.
Wilson led the Cyclones with 18 points, while Rollins and Roberts had 16 and 14 points, respectively. Seth Carter added seven points.
Rollins, Wilson and Roberts were all named to the All-Tournament team.
Photos courtesy of Jeff Birchfield/Johnson City Press
