No. 12 Kentrell Morrisey steps to the line, preparing a free throw in what was one of the most exciting games of the FCA Tournament’s opening round. (Kareem Brown|mountolivetribune.com)
Pikeville – Round 1: James Kenan Tigers vs. Wayne Prep Generals
First Quarter: Fast Start Sets the Tone
The FCA Tournament matchup between the James Kenan Tigers and the Wayne Prep Generals opened with high energy and quick scoring. The Generals struck first at the free-throw line, while the Tigers answered with their first basket from No. 12 Kentrell Morrisey. Wayne Prep extended its lead with a deep three-pointer, followed by a steal and an emphatic dunk that brought the crowd to its feet.
James Kenan stayed composed, as No. 12 Kentrell Morrisey converted a strong layup to keep the game close, though the ensuing free throw fell short. The Generals continued to apply pressure, but a big steal by No. 45 Alex Vasquez forced a timeout and slowed their momentum. The Tigers attacked the lane with purpose, trimming the score to 7–6, but Wayne Prep answered once again with a three-pointer to take their largest lead of the quarter.
Momentum began to shift when No. 5 David Zelaya of the Tigers knocked down a key basket, sparking a brief comeback. After trading possessions and trips to the free-throw line, the first quarter ended with Wayne Prep holding a 19–12 advantage.
Second Quarter: Generals Maintain Control
The Tigers opened the second quarter with renewed hustle, shutting down a General drive and forcing a steal by No. 2 Zamarion Smith. A foul sent No. 3 Jeremiah Hall to the line, where the Tigers managed to convert. Wayne Prep responded with steady free-throw shooting and solid interior play to maintain its lead.
James Kenan found success with a smooth jump shot from No. 3 Jeremiah Hall, but the Generals continued to capitalize on fouls and second-chance opportunities. Although No. 12 Kentrell Morrisey struggled at the free-throw line, he made up for it by finishing a strong layup after grabbing an offensive rebound.
Wayne Prep answered right back with another layup, closing the half in control. At the break, the Generals led 30–18, holding a 12-point cushion.
Halftime Recap
Wayne Prep entered halftime with momentum, moving the ball efficiently and scoring effectively in the post and at the free-throw line. Their fast-paced offense kept the Tigers on their heels.
Despite the deficit, the James Kenan Tigers showed signs of life behind big efforts from No. 3 Jeremiah Hall, along with key steals by No. 1 Eli Avent and No. 2 Zamarion Smith. The Tigers looked determined to cut into the lead as the second half began.
Third Quarter: Tigers Roar Back
The Tigers came out firing in the third quarter. No. 2 Zamarion Smith opened the half with a jump shot, followed by a basket from No. 1 Eli Avent that ignited a comeback. Wayne Prep missed opportunities at the line, allowing James Kenan to chip away at the lead.
A clutch three-pointer from No. 1 Eli Avent cut the Generals’ advantage to just three points, bringing the score to 38–35. The intensity ramped up as both teams traded baskets, tightening the score to 41–39. In a dramatic finish to the quarter, No. 1 Eli Avent drilled another three-pointer, giving the Tigers the lead heading into the fourth.
Fourth Quarter: Down to the Wire
James Kenan struck first in the final quarter, but the game quickly turned physical and intense. With fouls piling up and the lead changing hands multiple times, neither team could pull away. Wayne Prep briefly regained control, pushing the score to 52–48, but the Tigers refused to back down.
A huge three-pointer from No. 1 Eli Avent kept James Kenan within striking distance, and a strong layup by No. 12 Kentrell Morrisey tied the game late in the quarter. No. 2 Zamarion Smith calmly sank two free throws to give the Tigers a two-point lead, but the Generals answered immediately.
In the final moments, Wayne Prep capitalized at the free-throw line, while the Tigers came up just short on their last scoring attempts. When the final buzzer sounded, the Generals narrowly escaped with the victory.
Final Score Wayne Prep Generals 58, James Kenan Tigers 56
