Jefferson had a trio of scorers reach double figures – Bryant Shirreffs (13), Tate Chesser (10) and Austin Thompson (10) – but Heritage had the better offensive night Tuesday as it handed the Dragons (1-1) a 66-54 loss in the second round of the Tabo’s Tip-Off Tournament.
Heritage, a Class AAAA school from Conyers, led 30-25 at the half and opened up the third quarter with a 15-6 run from which Jefferson never recovered.
The Patriots led by as much as 17 points after back-to-back three pointers gave them a 55-38 edge with 5:25 left in the game.
Three days earlier, Jefferson senior shooting guard David Watson torched West Hall for 29 points in the Dragons’ 58-52 win over the Spartans in the Tabo’s Tip-Off Tournament.
Watson got going early, nailing six three-pointers in the first two quarters en route to a 20-point first half against the Spartans, who advanced to the Class AAA state tournament last year.
“We’ve got a lot of guys who can shoot the ball on the team, but when David gets going like that he’s the best shooter we’ve got,” coach Bolling DuBose said.
Hoytes Damons pulled down 13 rebounds as Jefferson won despite only dressing out nine players.
André Daniel scored eight points and handed out six assists in his first start at point guard.
Against West Hall, the Dragons took a 44-39 advantage at the half and led for most of the second half before losing the lead momentarily with three minutes left.
Chesser, Watson and Thompson all sank key free throws down the stretch to help secure the win.
“Not only was it a good win over a good team but also a win in a pressure situation,” DuBose said.
Jefferson did get a bit of bad news before Saturday’s big win, however. Will Pucket, a 6’4” post, may miss six to eight weeks with a wrist injury.
