Kyler Akin goes high over defender for shot against Cleveland in district tournament game vs Cleveland.(Photo:GaryBolden/RCM)

Eagles Win 66-52 Over Cleveland

Evensville, TN -- Rhea County played Cleveland High School in the opening round of the 4A District 5 Post-Season Tournament on 2/17/24 in a game played at Rhea County High School, the host school for the tournament this year. Rhea County had beaten Cleveland twice in the regular season, but both games had been very tough 3 point wins by the Eagles. Fans from both teams were excited to see another barnburner.

The Eagles took a 12-3 lead off Carr(3), Geer(4), Smith(2) and Dupre(3) scoring in the first four minutes of the game. KeShawn Smith was hitting the boards and his basket gave Eagles 20-8 lead before Cleveland canned a buzzer beater 2 for 20-10 score after one quarter of play. Cleveland made a run in the second quarter to cut lead to 22-16 with 5 minutes remaining in the second quarter and the next score was around the 2:23 mark that put Eagles up 24-16. Caleb Carr hit a short jumper at end of the half for the 26-18 lead and Carr began the 3rd with another short jumper for the 10 point lead to begin the third quarter. Dupre hit a pair of triples to push the lead to 35-24 late in the third quarter. Later in the quarter Dupre and Geer both hit highly contested shots to push the lead to 41-28 with 3:37 left in the third.

Around the 3 minute mark of the third, Cleveland canned a couple of 3-point baskets to pull within 43-37 and Eagles called a timeout. Carr and Stumbo scored baskets down low before Dupre rebounded his own miss for basket to give Eagles 50-42 lead after 3.

Cleveland outscored Eagles 5-0 to start the 4th quarter and it looked to be another close finish at 50-47 with 6:30 left. With just over 2 minute remaining, Eagles were holding on to a 6-point lead at 58-52 when Braylon Geer made a nice drive to draw a foul. With 1:30 left Bryce Dupre made a big 3 from top of the key and Eagles had a sizable 12 point lead at 64-52. The Eagles finished strong for the 68-52 win and a spot in the championship game on 2/20/24. Great team effort with Carr and Stumbo locking down the defensive boards in the second half and contributions by players up and down the lineup contributing to the win. Bryce Dupre led the team with 22 points and Caleb Carr added 18 to lead the Eagles in scoring. Braylon Geer was also in double figures with 11 points. Also scoring for Rhea were: Stumbo 6, Smith 4, Akin 3.

Evans led Cleveland with 20 points and Adams was in double figures with 11. Also scoring: Reinbold 9, Smith 6, Carroll 3, Jordan 3.