Blue Devils face University High Mon. at Johnson City for spot in state tournament

By Clayton Carroll

HARRIMAN, TN (WLAF) – After defeating Midway on Tuesday 88-72 in the region semifinal, the Jellico Blue Devils clinched their spot in the Region 2-A Championship game. In a rematch of the 2011 region title game, Jellico’s opponent was the Harriman Blue Devils. Harriman got the best of Jellico twice in the regular season and had home court advantage on its side on Thursday.

Harriman started off at a blistering pace. The Blue Devils jumped in front of Jellico 13-4. Jellico, led by Carson Bolton and Isaac McNealy outscored Harriman in the next two minutes 7-2. At the end of the first quarter, Harriman led Jellico 24-15.

It was an offensive explosion in the second quarter; one that found Harriman outscoring Jellico 27-19. At the halftime break, the Blue Devils of Harriman led the Blue Devils of Jellico 51-34.

In the third quarter, Harriman kept building its lead. At the end of the third frame, the Blue Devils led Jellico 73-48.

There would be no comeback for Jellico in the fourth quarter. Harriman claimed the Region 2-A title in convincing fashion, 82-59.

Carson Bolton was the top scorer for Jellico with 29 points. Issac McNealy contributed 22 points. John Zecchini totaled four points. Carter Terry and Seth Brandenburg rounded out the Blue Devils’ scoring column with two points apiece. Dre Webb, Caleb Rose, Jacob Bowlin, Brayden Byrd, Owen Morgan, Bryson Stahr, and Trey Vann all saw action, but did not score. Carson Bolton, Issac McNealy and John Zecchini gained all-region tournament honors.

The season is not over for Jellico however. The Blue Devils travel to University High on the campus of ETSU in Johnson City for the state qualifier (substate) game. Jellico battles the Buccaneers for a spot in the state tournament Monday night at 7pm. WLAF will send you the live televised coverage. (WLAF NEWS PUBLISHED 2/29/24 8:30PM)

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