Shelbyville survives Wildcat comeback

GLADEVILLE — Using a patient offense and tenacious defense, Shelbyville's boys had Wilson Central on the ropes for much of Friday's game.
The Wildcats got off the canvas and whacked a 14-point deficit down to one before falling short 53-45.
Shelbyville led 37-23 on a putback by big man Robby Rowland. But JaJuan Brooks came off the Wildcat bench to spark a comeback with eight third-period points, including a pair of threes, to bring Central within 37-31 by the quarter break.
Brooks bagged another triple to bring Central within 37-36 in the fourth, but the Wildcats could get no closer as the big shot never fell. Shelbyville sank 12 of 18 fourth-quarter free throws to improve to 7-4.
"We did a good job of battling back," Wildcat coach Troy Bond said after Central slipped to 5-4. "We showed a lot of heart.
"We just got to do better at doing some of the little things late to win these close ballgames."
Michael Frame threw in 13 of his 18 points in the first half as Shelbyville built a 28-18 halftime lead. Tory Robertson tossed in 10.
Center Travis Adkins kept Central in the game early with 11 of his 12 points while Brooks did all his scoring in the second half as he and guard Kody Woodard each added 11. Daniel Palmer scored six and Kelten Stewart four.
Adkins hit a free throw to give the Wildcats their only lead 1-0. Baskets by Adkins and Palmer tied the score, the latter at 8-8 before Shelbyville scored 12 straight to take command.
After taking exams early next week, the Wildcats will travel to Ft. Payne, Ala., for the Wills Valley Shootout. Central will take on Campbell (Ga.) at 1:30 p.m. next Thursday.
Sports Editor Andy Reed can be reached at 444-3952 ext. 17 or by e-mail at andy.reed@lebanondemocrat.com.