The Wilson Tigers opened their 2019 basketball season with a big win on their home court Thursday night. Hosting county neighbors, the Schulter Bulldogs, the Wilson Tigers were unstoppable underneath
The Wilson Tigers opened their 2019 basketball season with a big win on their home court Thursday night. Hosting county neighbors, the Schulter Bulldogs, the Wilson Tigers were unstoppable underneath the basket earning back-to-back double digit quarters in the first half. That same high octane shooting power continued in the second half, allowing them to obtain an 89-18 win over the Bulldogs. The 71-point win is the first win of the season for the Tigers but marks the fifth loss for the Bulldogs.
Fouls were the main source of points for the Bulldogs in the first quarter. Jacob Horne made it to the basket and was fouled, allowing him to complete two free throws. While the Bulldogs were struggling to find their offensive power, the Tigers came out of the gate swinging. Senior Malik Thompson and freshmen Ryder Herring were at the helm of Wilson’s 30-point scoring barrage in the first quarter. Making it to the basket for four two-pointers and two free throws, Thompson contributed 12 points, while Herring had the next highest score with six points. The Tigers could rely on a number of offensive players Thursday with junior Yahv Williams and junior Michael Conard making it to the basket for a pair of 2s. Junior Asa Mitchell and sophomore Logan Moore also chimed in with a two-pointer each.
The Tigers’ impressive scoring barrage didn’t stop between quarters. They had the momentum to continue it into the second quarter with Williams and Moore taking the reins from Thompson and Herring. The two junior and sophomore combo garnered a collective 16 points together, including a three-pointer from Williams. Conard wasn’t left out of the action either. He scored three two-pointers against the Bulldogs, who also picked up the pace in the second quarter.
Despite facing a 30-2 deficit, the Bulldogs were able to take control of the court with Zeth McGowin scoring a pair of 2s and Horne making it to the basket for a two-pointer and a three-point shot. The Bulldogs might have experienced a boost in the second quarter, but the Tigers had managed to keep their scoring barrage up, leaving them with a 58-11 first-half lead.
The Tigers continued to score double digit quarters in the second half, while the Bulldogs still struggled to make it to the basket. Mitchell and Thompson had a big third-quarter offensive moment with both scoring a trifecta of two-pointers, earning a total of 16-points for the Tigers.
Creating a 74-point impenetrable lead, the Tigers also managed to hold the Bulldogs to just four points.
Up 74-15 going into the fourth quarter, the Tigers shut down the Bulldogs completely. Schulter had their second lowest scoring quarter with Horne sinking just one three, leaving the court in the hands of the Tigers. Wilson depended solely on three-pointers in the fourth quarter, scoring a total of 15 points from the three-point line. Their five 3s was enough to secure them an 89-18 victory.
Thompson led his team in points, scoring a total of 16 against the Bulldogs. He posted up for a total of eight two-pointers and also completed two of two free throws. Joining him on the Tigers’ leaderboard was Moore, who scored a total of 13 points. Moore completed five two-pointers and also made three of seven free throw attempts.
The loss puts the Schulter Bulldogs at a 0-5 season record and improved the Tigers’ winning record to 2-0. The Tigers also recently defeated Mason in a 61-37 contest.