Tony McGuire

Sports Editor

The Perry County Central Commodores spent the early portion of their holiday season in Gatlinburg where they participated in the Great Smoky Mountain Holiday Classic. After winning a close game in the opening round over Tennessee's Unaka, the Commodores defeated Pigeon Forge and Belfry for the championship.

In the second game against Pigeon Forge, the Commodores got off to a good start and built a 25-17 lead by the break. Pigeon Forge made several attempts to send the Commodores packing, but each attempt was cut short by a Perry Central rally. The Commodores went on to win the game by the final score of 57-53.

Tyler Bailey led a balanced scoring attack with 13 points.

Perry Central (57) Robert Amis 5 (4 rebounds, 1 block and 2 assists), Jacob Watts 2 (3 rebounds), Tyler Bailey 13 (11 rebounds and 5 assists), Jason Kelly 12 (8 rebounds, 1 block, 1 assist and 1 steal), Heath Brashear 5 (3 rebounds and 1 assist), George Campbell 12 (10 rebounds, 6 blocks, 2 assists and 2 steals), Devin Gross 4 (1 rebound and 1 steal), Justin Stacy 2 (1 rebound, 1 block, 1 assist and 1 steal) and Steve Napier 2.

Pigeon Forge (53) Hill, 2, Schleif 3, Nichols 6, G. Nichols 4, Cave 2, Horveston 6, Hafeez 2, Stiles 4, Gibbs 6, Woodrick 5 and Brown 13.

In the championship game, the Commodores met a familiar foe in the Belfry Pirates. The Pirates have given Perry Central their lone loss on the season. However, Belfry would not be given the opportunity to repeat the feat as the Commodores would lead from tip to horn.

Perry Central took the early lead, jumping out to a 17-13 lead in the first quarter. The real damage was done in the second period when the Commodores put a 23-10 barrage on the Pirates (40-23).

Despite their best efforts, the Pirates would not be able to cut into the Commodores' lead in the second half. Perry Central was able to hold off the Pirates' attack and claim the title with a 73-54 win.

Tyler Bailey led the Commodores in scoring with 14 points on the night.

Perry Central (73) Robert Amis 13 (1 rebound, 1assist and 1 steal), Tyler Bailey 14 (14 rebounds, 3 blocks, 3 assists and 2 steals), Jason Kelly 12 (5 rebounds and 2 blocks), Heath Brashear 6 (3 rebounds, 1 assist and 1 steal), George Campbell 13 (9 rebounds and 2 blocks), Devin Gross 7 (3 rebounds, 1 assist and 1 steal) and Justin Stacy 8 (1 rebound and 3 steals).

Belfry (54) Maynard 11, Case 20, Steele 2, May 12, Reed 5 and J. Steele 4.