Bryce Garrison, shown here in a previous Rhea County game, was one of 3 Eagles in double figures in the Rhea County win over Brainerd on 12/21/24.(Photo:GaryBolden)

Eagles Win 66-53 With Geer, Garrison and Ervin Going For Double Figures in the Game

Sale Creek, TN -- Rhea County played Brainerd High School in the "Battle At The Creek" tournament on December 21, 2024. Rhea County won 66-53 and Braylon Geer, Bryce Garrison and Sammy Ervin led the Eagles with 19, 18 and 17 points each.

Rhea county jumped out to a 7-0 lead in the first two minutes of the game. Ervin's fast break basketball put the Eagles up 11-5 around the 5 minute mark and Rhea finished with 15-6 lead after one quarter. Ervin hit a floater in the lane to push the Eagle's lead to 21-10 with 5:15 left in the 2nd quarter. Holston Shaver made a nice pass deflection later and went the distance for a 23-11 lead. Bryce Garrison grabbed a defensive rebound and scored to push Eagle's lead to 29-11 with just under 3 minutes remaining in the quarter. Brainerd hit a buzzer beating 3 to cut halftime lead to 34-16.

Brainerd had a 9-1 run to start the 3rd quarter and cut the Rhea County lead to 35-25 with just over 6 minutes remaining in the quarter. Brainerd continued to play well and a 3-point basket cut the Eagle's lead to 39-35 around the 4 minute mark. Rhea got offense back on track and Bryce Garrison bucket down low put Eagles up 47-35 before Brainerd hit for a 3-point basket. Eagles led 49-42 at the end of 3 quarters. Brainerd could get no closer than 6 points the rest of the game and Rhea won 66-53.

Rhea's guards did a very good job getting to the rim and Bryce Garrison continued his good play after being inserted into the lineup earlier this season. Garrison was big on the offensive boards in the game.