The Chapel Hill Tigers came from 9 points down in the 3rd quarter and defeated the Northern Knights 52-51 and walked out of Northern Durham with the top spot in the Big 8 – 3A Conference. The Tigers employed a stingy half court defense in the 3rd quarter forcing multiple turnovers by the Knights. Those turnovers were converted into points through several 3 pointers by Tiger forward Ben Gaynes and clutch free throw shooting by Senior Maxwell Connolly.
Thirty one of the 51 points by the Knights were generated by the talented Counsel brothers. Sophomore Ricky Counsel IV generated 22 points from all over the court. Counsel IV shined both in the low post, rebounding, and also 3 point shooting. Counsel III ended the evening with 9 points and drained a beautiful off balance jumper with 4.5 seconds remaining that many thought should have been ruled a 3 point shot that would have tied the game. After a game official conference, the shot was ruled 2 points and the Tigers escaped with the win and the conference lead.
The Tigers were led by Senior Maxwell Connolly who ended the game 20 points followed by Ben Gaynes with 12. The remainder of the Tigers scoring came from Gilbert Thompson (6), David Elien (5), Terry Green (4), Drew Gilleskie (4), and Khalil Hill (1).
It should also be noted that the Tigers road victory came without starting point guard Elijah Hill who missed the contest due to undisclosed reasons.
WCHL High School Sports would like to thank the Northern Knights for their unparalleled hospitality.
The Tigers next game will be home against cross town rivals East Chapel Hill. The Knights are back on the court in less that 24 hours when they face New Hanover in the High School OT Garner Showcase.
The 97.9 The Hill broadcast crew heads to Hillsborough next Friday night when the Red Wolves host the Northwood Chargers.
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