Panthers varsity boys lose on homecoming night

Published 10:43 am Tuesday, January 23, 2018

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Photos by Allen Earl | Claiborne Progress Jacob Bullins returned to the court and was a rebounding force for the Panthers.

Nathan Fuson led the JV Panthers to victory.

2017-18 CGHS Homecoming Queen Breanna Poteat.

Cumberland Gap High School welcomed Whitley County High School from Kentucky into Tennessee for a couple of boy’s basketball games. The weather was cold with snow predicted January 15 and the Panthers were welcoming three key personnel back to the hardwood. Coach Ernie Mac Clawson, Nich Neverstitch and finally Jacob Bullins. It was a relief for Panther Nation to have them back.

The JV Panthers took the floor first and jumped out to a 12-6 advantage after one period with seven points belonging to Nate Fuson. Fuson went on to lead the Panthers to victory, 51-28 with 18 points. H. McDaniel recorded 12 points, Jaden Schertz got into foul trouble early and finished with nine, and two others finished the game with six points each, Trey Turner and E. Daniels. Tanner Gilbert was the leading scorer for the Colonels with eight points.

Next on the floor were the varsity boys. Panther star Jayson Upton started slow and battled through a dislocated finger to lead the Panthers with 15 points. The Panthers led by one point at the half 21-20. The second half belonged to the Colonels as Corey Johnson helped his team roll away with 25 huge points. The score was 36-31 in favor of the Colonels who went on to win 53-37. Leading the Panthers was Upton with his 15 and Jacob Bullins missed a double double by one point scoring nine and rebounding ten boards. Evan Jackson finished with four points along with Nich Neverstitch. Jake Templin had three and Trey Turner rounded out the total with two points. Cumberland Gap went to the free throw line nine times and made five for 58 percent while the Colonels went to the stripe 21 times making 14 for 66 percent.

It was a tough game for the Panthers but coaches and fans know that getting players on the same page on the floor often takes time.

It was also homecoming night and Chloe Riggs was named Freshman Queen, Alexis Johnson was the Sophomore Queen, Tabitha Roy was the Junior Queen and Hayli England was named Senior Queen. Brianna Poteat was named 2017-18 Cumberland Gap High School Homecoming Queen. She was escorted by Bubba Lake.