TRION, GA – A proverbial chess match broke out in the final game of the Region 6 Class A region tournament between Fellowship Christian and host Trion High.

Both teams countered the others strategy and there was some methodical thought behind every decision. The Bulldogs final decisions midway through the fourth quarter sealed its 43-34 victory over the Paladins on Friday.

Trion advances to play St. Francis at 8:30 pm in Darlington.

“They are very disciplined team,” Bulldogs coach Lanny Thomas said. “They are good at executing their offense. We knew we had to help.”

The Bulldogs switched up its defensive strategy, affecting the Paladins.

FC’s offense stalled in the third quarter scoring only three points. Its offensive flow it had in the first half.

Fellowship started making a run late with its Princeton style setup and backdoor cuts in to the lead. Both teams traded baskets until Jared Wigley (pictured) scored his only four points of the game. The senior post player dipped behind the Paladins defense for two easy baskets, which gave the Bulldogs a five-point cushion to hold on for the win.

After the game, Trion has a tradition where the team names the player of the game. Wigley was the unanimous candidate based on his eight-point contribution off the bench.

“They knew how well he played,” Thomas said.

Trion had balance scoring on the night. Ethan Young had a game-high 10 points. Isaac Thomas chipped in with nine points. John Rollins scored eight points.

Fellowship’s Hunter Bryant had 10 points. Roger Rickman finished with six points.

Prior to the nail-biting final game of the night, North Cobb Christian, St. Francis and Whitefield dominated its opening round opponent.

Here are the recaps

Whitefield Academy 76, Excel Christian 44

Playing against Whitefield can be exhausting. The Wolfpack swarms opponents from the opening tip and do not take the handcuffs off with is defense.

No matter what Excel tried to do a Pack player contested and imposed its will on a young squad. It did not matter if it was in a half-court set or in its vaunted full-court press, Whitefield was all over the floor.

Those defensive stops set up the Wolfpack’s offense. Easy baskets, open three pointers and backdoor alley oops in the first quarter was enough to seal the game.

Brandon Myers was the recipient of the teams defensive pressure. He knocked down four three-pointers in the first quarter to finish with a game-high 16 points. George Mason signee Eric Lockett added 11 points. Courtney Alexander added nine points.

Jack Bowers had a team-high 13 points for Excel. Lane Blackwell had nine points. Darius Thrower and Korey Tucker scored eight points apiece.

St, Francis 91, Gordon Lee 26

Having to jump on the floor immediately after being away from the hardwood for four days and a two-hour bus trip is never fun. St. Francis coach Cabral Huff did not know what he was going to get from his team.

The Knights were delayed by traffic and had to jump on the floor with a minimal warm-up. His players responded with one of its best start of the season. St. Francis scored 31 first quarter points and never let up cruising to victory.

St. Francis, which plays Trion on Saturday, stifled the Trojans in every aspect of the game. The Knight defense was sharp and crisp, leading to several highlights on the other end.

Malik Beasley attacked the basket with purpose. Kobi Simmons knocked down jumpers. Kaiser Gates finished about the rim. Josh Coleman controlled the interior. McKinley Brown managed the offense. Being away from the gym because of Mother Nature did not show on the Knights.

Beasley and Simmons finished with 19 points apiece. Brown chipped in with 13. Gates and Coleman added nine and seven respectfully.

Samuel Welsh led the Trojans with 15 points.

North Cobb Christian 70, Darlington 40

For a the first 16 minutes of the game, Darlington looked as if it was going to provide the biggest upset of the region tournament. Unfortunately, the game is played in two halves.

The Eagles players cranked up its defense after getting them loose from the ride and cabin fever as Darlington struggled from the field the rest of the game.

NCC doubled up its offensive output in the third quarter leaving the Tigers gasping for air. Turnovers led to points. Second shots for the Eagles were the norm. Transition baskets looked like early season conditioning for an senior-laden NCC team.

Trey Kalina finished with a team-high 16 points. Stephon Jelks and Kendall Crute poured in 15 points apiece.

Matt Heiken and Jeremiah McClure led the Tigers with eight points apiece.

The Eagles play Whitefield on Saturday.