Tigers drop opener at Spalding Drive Classic

The Adairsville boys basketball team lost its first round game to Stephenson 71-67 Monday at the Spalding Drive Classic at Wesleyan High School.

The two teams battled evenly in the first half with the two teams going to the intermission tied at 37-all.

Stephenson (8-3) separated in the third quarter by outscoring the Tigers 21-9 in the period for a 58-46 lead. The Jaguars then held off the Tigers over the final eight minutes for a four-point win.

“It was a close one,” said Adairsville coach Alex Disbrow. “We had the game tied with 1:14 to play, but Stephenson dominated the rebounding margin. That was the difference in the game.”

Eddie Hendricks led Stephenson in scoring with 26 points.

Zach Postell led Adairsville with 18 points. Tay Jackson followed with 16. Tre Winters contributed 12 points. Zach Weaver finished with seven points. Austin White scored six. Xavious Nalls and Ben Abernathy added four points apiece.

Adairsville continues tournament play at Wesleyan Tuesday. The Tigers will play Oglethorpe County at 2:30 p.m. The tournament continues through Wednesday.