By David Rogers. BOONE, N.C. — A broad based scoring effort, disruptive defense and rebounding dominance on both ends of the court led to Watauga men’s basketball victory over Pine Lake Prep on Dec. 29, 79-62, in the semifinals of the High Country Holiday Classic hosted by the Pioneers in Lentz Eggers Gym.
Four Pioneers scored in double figures, led by power forward Jackson Pryor’s 21, with key contributions by Grant Morrison (18), Wyatt Keller (15) and Wyatt Kohout (14).
The Pioneers jumped out to a 20-10 lead by the end of the first quarter and never looked back.
Key Points:
- Jackson Pryor stayed out of foul trouble and was aggressive under the basket, especially on the offensive end. In short, Watauga’s most valuable inside asset was able to stay on the floor.
- The two Wyatt’s Kohout and Keller, quickly recognized and took command of their opportunities, whether shooting from outside (together they accounted for five 3-pointers) or inside, driving down the lane or along the baseline to the basket.
- Improved free throw shooting (9-of-13).
- Critical rebounding on the offensive end to give the Pioneers multiple chances after errant shots.
- Pesky defense by Watauga kept Pine Lake off balance and forced turnovers.
With win, Watauga advances to the tournament championship final on Dec. 30 against the other semifinal winner, Apex Friendship, a dominant, 71-36 winner over Ashe County in the earlier semifinal. In Apex Friendship, Watauga will take on a 6-4 Patriots team that has already started league play in a strong, 4A conference that also includes Green Level, Holly Springs, Panther Creek, Green Hope, Cary, and Middle Creek.
Apex Friendship is led by Jake Grubb, who scored 24 points against Ashe County while also leading the team in assists and steals.
The men’s division championship game is scheduled for 7 p.m. on Friday, Dec. 30, at Lentz Eggers Gym.
Bonus Photos
