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Dee Howell (11) of MA collides with a Tri-County player.

MA season ends in first round of state tourney

The third quarter was the difference in Marshall Academy’s loss to TriCounty in the first round of Class 3A State Tournament game.

The Patriots trailed by seven at halftime. Then the Rebels scorched the nets in the third, built a big lead and hung on in the fourth for the 74-66 win.

“Tri-County got hot in the third,” coach Craig Dailey. “We got close to getting back in it with the press, but it was just too big a hole.”

Tri-County outscored MA 25-11 in the third and led 52-34 entering the last quarter. The Rebels hit four threes in the third.

But the Patriots didn’t quit. Dee Howell scored 19 of his 32 points in the final eight minutes as they sliced the final deficit to eight. Rusty Bolden finished

with 11 points for MA, and Rod’Drickous Moore scored nine.

The tournament was played at Oak Hill Academy in West Point.

The Patriots finished the season with a 14-9 record, including a District 1-3A championship and North State runners-up trophy.

“It was a tough season with the distractions of COVID and limited games,” Dailey said, “but the kids gave me everything they had every time out, and the game against Tri-County was no different.

“I want to thank my seniors (Rod’Drickous Moore and Aaron Pilcher). They were great leaders and teammates, and we are truly going to miss them.”

Marshall will return four starters and most of the substitutes next season.

“We have a shot to make some noise next year,” Dailey said. “We just have to get to work this summer and learn how to put the ball in the hole.”

Dailey returned to Marshall Academy this season. He previously led the Patriots to four state championships and an overall crown in 10 seasons, from 2005 to 2015.

“I have enjoyed being back at MA,” Coach Dailey said.

Holly Springs South Reporter

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