Connell's team takes Tabo Tipoff title

“Championship games are normally closer,” WBHS coach Eli Connell said. “We had been on the losing end in the title game for three years in a row so it was good to get this win.”

The Bulldoggs had to do some adjusting early in the contest to try and negate the size of Collins Hill. Once Winder-Barrow moved to a zone in the first quarter, the tide began to turn, Connell said.

By halftime, the Bulldoggs led 27-21. The second half was a dominant one for Winder-Barrow as it put 48 points on the scoreboard.

“We really had a strong showing in the second half,” Connell said. “If we continue to work hard we will be OK. That’s all we can ask for.”

Shun Thurmond was the tournament MVP and had seven points, seven assists and three steals in the title game.

Winder-Barrow benefited from four players scoring in double figures against Collins Hill including Trent Demeritte, Jodd Maxie, D.J. Butler and Henry Maxie. Demeritte finished with a team-high 18 points.

Connell’s team had moved into the title game by defeating Franklin County earlier in the week 74-65 paced by a 25-point effort by Thurmond.

The first-place tournament showing helped eased some of the sting of falling to Rockdale County 72-69 in a Region 8-AAAA crossover game last Tuesday.

Foul trouble hurt the Bulldoggs in that game, Connell said. Thurmond scored 18 against Rockdale County with Butler adding 16. Henry Butler played well off the bench with 14 points.

WBHS is scheduled to travel to Salem Tuesday for another region crossover contest.