By JOSH ETHRIDGE/For the Reporter

Thompson and Chelsea faced off in the first round of the Shelby County Tournament on Dec. 19.  The game was closely contested at the beginning, but the Warriors were able to put together a solid second half to down the Hornets 68-53.

Malik Abrams kicked off the scoring for Chelsea with a three point shot on the first possession of the game. Thompson’s Reggie Chambers answered with a two-point jumper for the Warriors.  Darrell Foster was able to extend the Hornet lead back to three points with a driving layup. Following the Foster bucket, the Warriors went on a 7-1 run, but Chelsea was able to even the score at the end of the quarter 13-13.

Chelsea started the scoring in the second quarter with a Jackson Burdette layup. In transition Tavarus Hall missed a three point shot, but got the rebound and scored on a two-point jumper, making the score 15-15. Moments later Thompson’s Reggie Chambers went to the line and made one of his two free throws. The Hornets would trail the Warriors for the remainder of the game. The score at halftime was 27-22.

After the break, Thompson went on a 10-5 run extending their lead to 10. Following the run, Darrell Foster got the hot hand, scoring 8 of Chelsea’s 13 points in the third quarter. Thompson rode their ten-point lead to the end of the quarter, leading the Hornets 45-35.

Malik Abrams hit a 3-point jumper for the Hornets to start out the fourth quarter. Thompson’s Zach Carnes answered the Chelsea score with a driving layup in transition.  The Hornets continued to fight back as Malik Abrams drained a second straight 3-point shot, cutting the lead to 6. Thompson put an end to the Chelsea comeback as they went on an 11-4 run. The final score at the end of regulation was 68-53 Warriors.

“We talk about tournament basketball is all about surviving,” said Thompson Head Coach Patrick Davis following the game. “We’ve been lucky to win this tournament three years in a row and we are going to try are best to get a fourth.”

Rashad Strother led Thompson with 16 points and Tavarus Hall finished with 15 points for the Warriors. Malik Abrams led the Hornets with 15 points and Darrell Foster had 14 points on the night.