After playing from behind most of the night, the Jamestown boys basketball team finally took a fourth-quarter lead. Unfortunately for the Eagles, it didn't last long.
Jamestown, showing grit and hustle, couldn't overcome an impressive shooting performance from Tuscumbia in a 56-51 loss on Tuesday, Feb. 3.
Rallying from a nine-point deficit in the third quarter, the Eagles took a 42-38 lead early in the fourth. Freshman Trenton Barbour and his brother, senior Trevor Barbour, each made a layup to put Jamestown ahead.
The Lions, however, sank consecutive 3-pointers on their next two possessions, regaining a 44-42 advantage. Eagles junior Wyatt Hunziker tied the score with two free throws, but Tuscumbia made another 3-pointer and a long jumper to open a 49-44 lead with 4:10 left.
In total, the Lions hit 13 baskets from 3-point range, making it tough for Jamestown to build momentum.
"They shot well, there's no question," Eagles head coach Brannon Bartlett said. "We let them get away from us a little bit. They beat us to a couple spots and kicked it out for the 3."
Tuscumbia's final 3-pointer came with 3:20 left, extending its lead to 52-45. The Eagles rallied again, scoring the next six points to get within one. Trevor Barbour had a layup and Trenton Barbour made two during the spurt.
The Lions answered with a basket on their next possession to make it 54-51 with 38 seconds left, and following a Jamestown turnover on its ensuing possession, Tuscumbia scored again to seal the win.
"You could see our youth a little bit, and we had a hard time getting into a flow," Bartlett said. "That's part of the learning process, part of our youth. I'm still confident."
Trevor Barbour finished with 18 points, while Hunziker had 12 and Trenton Barbour scored 11. Jamestown's record was 9-10 after the Tuscumbia loss.
"We're getting better," Bartlett said. "We're such a young group; six of our top eight guys had no varsity experience before this year. We have another three weeks to put the finishing touches on and make a district run."
Jamestown and Tuscumbia could meet again at districts.
"The more games our kids play against good teams, the more they can grow and learn," Bartlett said. "We got close and made some good things happen, but ultimately, didn't get it done. We need to keep grinding and get better."