WCHS Wildcats Take Down Richland, Are Now State Bound!

The Wayne County High School Wildcats took down the Richland Raiders, 49 – 43, last Monday night in Sub-State action. With the win, the Wildcats will be in Murfreesboro on Wednesday to face Harriman (24 - 6) at 2:15. The last time the Wildcats participated in the State was in 2010. The 'Cats now boast a 26 – 8 record on the year.

The Wildcats led 10 – 8 at the end of the first quarter as Will Robertson nailed 2 three-point goals. Richland started off slow shooting, going 3 of 8 from the field in the first. In the second, the Raiders jumped on top 12 – 10, but a three by Cayman Camfield put them on top, 13- 12. A Sayler Skelton assist to a Camfield basket made it 16 – 12. A Will Robertson 3 made the score 21 -16 with 1:38 left in the half, but Richland answered with a three to cut the margin to 21 – 19. The 'Cats led 23 – 22 at the half.

A three-point play by Sayler Skelton opened the scoring in the second half, making the score 26 – 22. Richland again answered with a 3 to make it 26 – 25. The teams exchanged baskets the remaining minutes of the third, and the Raiders hit a last-second shot to tie the game at 36 at the end of the quarter. In the fourth, Richland took the lead, but a Wildcat free throw made it 39 all with 4:34 left on the clock. An offensive rebound and three-pointer by Justice Bell with 1:49 left gave the 'Cats the lead, 42 – 41. Richland came back with a basket, to go up 43 – 42, but with 59.7 seconds left, Sayler Skelton scored on a 3-point play to give the 'Cats the lead, 45 – 43. Two free throws by Justice Bell and two by Will Robertson sealed the 49 – 43 win.

Cayman Camfield, Will Robertson, and Sayler Skelton hit for double figures with 14, 13, and 11 respectively. Camfield had 9 boards and a steal, while Robertson had 3 assists. Skelton had 4 boards and 2 assists. Justice Bell hit for 6 points and had 5 boards and an assist. Logan Davis scored 5 points, had 2 boards, a steal, and 6 assists. The 'Cats struggled at the line, going 9 of 16 for 56.3%. They hit 41.5% from the field and had 12 assists on 17 made baskets.

Follow the 'Cats to Murfreesboro Wednesday as they work to bring home the Gold Ball. “GOOD LUCK WILDCATS!”-----Submitted by Susan Gallian