Bryson City – The Maroon Devils took their first lead since the opening minutes at roughly the three minute mark in the fourth quarter on a Darren Blankenship layup. From there the Devils held off a pesky East Surry squad to take an 86-81 1st round win in the NCHSAA 1A basketball playoffs. East used a 21-11 run in the second quarter to pull away from the Devils, eventually running the lead to 12 just before halftime. The Maroon Devils appeared dead in the water, with a severely depleted bench and deep foul trouble.
Midway through the third quarter the Maroon Devils began the long slow crawl back into the game. Spurred by Clayton Catolster, Brier Younce, and Brett Treadway the Devils turned up the intensity on the defensive end, which keyed some easy baskets off of fast breaks. At the end of the third the Devils were back to four down at 66 to 62. The Maroon Devil crowd urging them on Swain continued to apply the pressure, eventually taking the lead for good on the Blankenship lay-in.
The Maroon Devil crowd, particularly the student section was the difference in the game. Even with the Devils trailing by 12 they refused to sit down. Then once the Devils started a run, the crowd pushed them over the top by sheer volume and force of will.
The game itself was, well for lack of a better word, bizarre. It featured 5 technical fouls and 10 total technical free throws, all of which were made. A time-out granted to East just as the Maroon Devils were driving the lane and in firm position of the ball. A combined 30 plus free throws, in the first half. On top of two disqualifications, including East Surry’s head coach.
In the end the Maroon Devils were able to prevail over a very good East Surry squad.
Clayton Catolster led the Devils with 21 points, while Evan Bradley finished with 20. Brett Treadway added 14 points, Brier Younce 11 and Phinehas Little 10.
The Maroon Devils will host Albemarle on Tuesday with game time to be determined.