GRAY DEYOSports Writer

With two minutes left on the clock and the game feeling like a coin flip for which team could snatch their third win of the season, Tullahoma showed professional poise through the pressure. One turnover, one bad shot attempt, and any just one bone-headed decision could have tilted the game in favor of a BGA “W”. But the team wearing the white and red jerseys never wavered in a game flip-flopping between a one and two-score game, and secured their third win in a row, beating Battle Ground Academy 67-61.

“Our team has lots of experience and has been in that situation numerous times,” head coach of Tullahoma Jason Welch said.

“I am very proud of how we protected the ball in the last two to three minutes because we hadn’t the first 29. 27 turnovers is a record for this team, but BGA is very aggressive. Our guys made free throws and closed the game out, which makes everyone happy.”

Tullahoma had three juniors and two seniors close out the game, and the upperclassmen showed that they were built for the task. They stayed calm and communicated with each other through every vital possession down the closing stretch. Khani Johnson was a big part of the Wildcats’ keeping their lead intact, hitting four crucial free throws and nearly shutting down the gym with a show stopping poster dunk.

“Khani is a senior leader who has improved every year and we trust him late in games to make the correct plays,” Coach Welch said.

Johnson finished as the Wildcats third-leading scorer, finishing with 10 points.

Tullahoma also received huge contributions from Xavier Farrell, who continues to perform well, scoring a game-high 31 points. Jayden Thompson, a junior forward, also had a good night scoring 14 for the Wildcats. 

“We have improved our trusting of each other, gotten tougher, and have focused on the small things,” coach Welch said regarding what has changed for his team since their opening night loss to Oakland.

As the season goes on this team continues to look more and more complete. They move the ball and play together, there is not a hint of selfish basketball on this squad.