By BAKER ELLIS / Sports Editor

NORTH SHELBY – After struggling over the last two weeks in area play, Briarwood played host to John Carroll Catholic in a 6A Area 9 matchup and won by a single point on Jan. 22 by a final of 46-45 to improve their overall record to 10-12 (1-5).

The Lions jumped out to a 14-7 lead after the first quarter behind six points from Thomas Collier and a pair of threes from Jeffrey Travis and Luke Dyson. Carson Donnely also added a bucket in the first quarter to help pace Briarwood to an early advantage.

The Cavaliers, who beat Briarwood on Jan. 12 by nine points, scored 18 points in the second quarter thanks to eight points from Christian Wilson-Poole and two three-pointers from Ben Saway. John Carroll Catholic took a 27-22 lead into the half, as the Lions only managed eight total points in the second period.

The third quarter however played out identically to the first, as Briarwood outscored John Carroll 14-7. Donnelly had five points, Collier had four, Travis had three and David Corbin added a bucket as well for Briarwood as the Lions regained a 36-34 lead entering the final quarter.

While John Carroll outscored Briarwood in the final period the Lions were able to hold on at home and win by the slightest margin, 46-45, to get their first regular season area win of the year on their last try.

Wilson-Poole led all scorers on the day with 16, but the Cavaliers had no other scorers in double figure. Briarwood on the other hand had three in double figures, as Travis and Donnelly both finished with 14 and Collier poured in 10.