The Fannin County Rebels defeated Gilmer County, 54-51, Monday, December 22, to maintain their perfect season record at 12-0 and capture the Piedmont Mountainside Holiday Classic Championship.
Kolton Kaylor scored 27 points and grabbed 18 rebounds to pace the Rebels’ victory. He and Brody Henson both received All-Tournament honors.
Trailing 9-8 in the first quarter, Fannin County went on a 10-point run to take an 18-9 lead at the buzzer.
Gilmer County charged back in the second period, tying the contest at 26-26 as the clock ticked under a minute. Then Tyler Blake hit the final field goal of the half to give the Rebels a 28-26 lead at halftime.
The second half was not short on excitement as Fannin County would outscore the hosts 26-25.
The Rebels reached the victory by outscoring Gilmer County 16-12 in the third stanza for a 44-38 lead at the break. Gilmer bounced back in the last period with a 13-10 advantage, but it was too little too late.
The Rebels played stifling defense, blocking nine shots and grabbing 12 steals. Kaylor’s 18 rebounds led the effort controlling the paint, where Fannin grabbed a total of 35 rebounds.
The Rebels also passed the ball well with 10 assists on 20 made baskets. Tyler Blake led the team with five assists.
Scorers for Fannin County included Kaylor with 27 points, Keaton Watkins scoring 12 points, Hudson York adding nine points, and Blake and Cannon Holloway each scoring three points.
January looks promising for the Rebels. Senior guard Matthew Ponton is expected to return from injury midway through, and the Rebels will see region opponents as well as 515 rivals including Union and Pickens County, many for the second time this season.