Darian Brown looking over the shoulder of Grant Reed during first half action 🎬 on Thursday night – Photo Credit : Linda Carter

The Hill – Gibson Barr led the way with 15 points, including two free throws in overtime as Carroll County defeated visiting Blacksburg 40-38. The victory allows CCMS to end week one of the season with a mark of 1-1.

The most impressive part of the victory took place in the second half as the visiting Bruins closed the opening 12 minutes on a 14-0 run to take a 22-14 lead into the break.

The rookie Head Coach had challenged his squad and did it in a Lion King 🦁 type of way.

”  I asked the kids during pregame, what animal is the king of the jungle? They replied “Lions”. This I asked is the lion the biggest, fastest, or strongest animal in the jungle and they answered no. I said exactly! Elephants are bigger, cheetahs are faster, and gorillas are stronger. BUT Lions have that killer mentality and they don’t back down from anyone. Every time we step on the court we will not be the biggest, strongest, or fastest but from now on we will be lions! I asked do I have any lions in here? They replied YES SIR!! I said let’s go show them and that’s exactly what my guys did. I’m proud of how they battled especially being put in a game like that this early in the season. I’m excited for what’s to come”

Blacksburg …     6  16.  9. 5. 2 –  38

Carroll County  4  10  14  8  4 – 40

The deficit grew to nine early in the third after Blacksburg connected twice from deep, sandwiched around a 3-pointer from Grant Reed. Carroll County closed the Gap on a 9-0 run to pull even at 28-28 but the Bruins closed the 3rd and opened the 4th with 3-pointers to create space.

The Bruins had 34 points with 5:28 remaining in the fourth quarter and finished overtime with 38. Quick math says that Brown’s defense surrendered just four points over the final 8+ minutes.

The defense intensified and it turned into instant offense on the other end of the floor. Trailing 36-28, Carroll County closed out regulation on an 8-0 run.

Jaxon Stanovick started the closeout with a put back basket and Barr scored the final six points. Sam Johnson found Barr with a nifty pass and the equalizer came after a Barr steal and drive to the basket 🧺.

Johnson was fouled early in OT and calmly sank both free throws and Barr closed out the scoring at 0:15.4 with the game winning free throws.