T.A. Dugger shows appreciation for 8th graders, dominates Tigers
Published 12:44 pm Monday, January 20, 2025
Ron Marvel/Star Correspondent A T.A. Dugger player drives in for a contested layup.
Ron Marvel/Star Correspondent Kami Dugger is introduced before the Jr. Lady Cyclones’ game against Hunter.
Ron Marvel/Star Correspondent A T.A. Dugger player shoots a jumper.
Ron Marvel/Star Correspondent A Hunter player closes off a passing lane.
Ron Marvel/Star Correspondent Stella Holtsclaw lines up for a jump shot as Malina Pilkington defends.
Ron Marvel/Star Correspondent The T.A. Dugger eighth-grade cheerleaders were recognized during ceremonies at EHS.
Ron Marvel/Star Correspondent The T.A. Dugger eighth-grade girls’ basketball players were recognized during ceremonies at EHS.
Ron Marvel/Star Correspondent The T.A. Dugger cheerleaders energize Cyclones fans during the second period of the girls’ game.
Ron Marvel/Star Correspondent A T.A. Dugger player looks for an open teammate.
Ron Marvel/Star Correspondent Rylee Minton dribbles along the baseline as she looks upcourt.
Ron Marvel/Star Correspondent The T.A. Dugger eighth-grade boys’ basketball players were recognized during ceremonies at EHS.
Ron Marvel/Star Correspondent A T.A. Dugger player pushes the ball up the floor.
Ron Marvel/Star Correspondent Ryan Garland fills the passing lane as the Tigers move upcourt.
Ron Marvel/Star Correspondent Max Fields pushes the tempo and finishes the night with five points and multiple assists.
Ron Marvel/Star Correspondent Eli Phillip showcases his shooting skills, sinking a three-pointer.
Ron Marvel/Star Correspondent Carson Lyons looks to feed the ball back out to a teammate.
Ron Marvel/Star Correspondent The Tigers’ Jacob Carrier passes the ball to the corner.
Ron Marvel/Star Correspondent The Tigers’ Greg Bunting finds a cutting teammate in the paint.
Ron Marvel/Star Correspondent Hunter coach Jeff Peters strategizes to rally his team.
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By Ron Marvel
Star Correspondent
Elizabethton High School served as the backdrop for T.A. Dugger Eighth Grade Night, celebrating athletes from the cheerleading squad and both the boys’ and girls’ basketball teams. When the night was over, it was a resounding success for the Junior Cyclones as they rolled over the Hunter Tigers.
Boys: Cyclones 64, Tigers 16
The Cyclones were clicking on all cylinders on both sides of the ball as they jumped out to an 18-0 lead and coasted to a dominant victory. Eli Phillips opened the scoring for the Cyclones with a three-pointer, while Max Fields created havoc on defense with multiple turnovers.
Brayden Stines put the Tigers on the board with a long three-pointer, making it 22-3 after the first period. Defensively, Chase Taylor’s presence in the paint clogged the lane for the Tigers. Carson Lyons scored six points in the second period as the Cyclones went into halftime with a 36-11 lead.
In the second half, Trey Mathena knocked down a pair of three-pointers as the Cyclones extended their lead to 36 points heading into the final period. Head coach Billy Etter emptied his bench in the fourth quarter, giving reserves valuable playing time. Taylor led the Cyclones with 13 points, Phillips added 12, and Anthony Orton chipped in nine. Eight different Cyclones contributed to the scoring. Stines led the Tigers with nine points.
Post-game, Coach Etter praised his eighth graders for their impact on the program. “We’ve had our struggles this year, but these eighth graders have been through a lot. They are a group that led and springboarded these sixth and seventh graders. They will have an impact on the projection of this team,” Etter said.
Girls: Cyclones 48, Tigers 26
After the Tigers clawed back into the game, the Junior Lady Cyclones responded with an explosive offensive run and stifling defense. Leading 20-16 midway through the third period, the Cyclones went on a 28-6 run to close out the game.
Kiana Adams scored 12 of her 16 points in the first half, helping the Cyclones build a 20-10 halftime lead. The Tigers opened the second half with a 6-0 run, sparked by Malina Pilkington’s three-pointer. However, Stella Holtsclaw responded for the Lady Cyclones, scoring six points to close out the third period.
The Junior Lady Cyclones dominated the boards in the second half, while point guard Aubry Szabo orchestrated the offense with excellent ball movement. Adams led the Cyclones with 16 points, while Myley Bowling and Rylee Minton each contributed eight. Claryssa Taylor led the Tigers with nine points.
TA Dugger Lady Cyclones Coach Matt Fox credited his team’s defensive effort for the win. “Our game starts with our defense. Everyone had a piece of success tonight, led by Kiana. We found ways to get to the rim, but now we have to get ready for the postseason,” Fox said.
