Like a senior in late-game crunch time looking to take charge, Brainerd’s Demetrius Kitchens demanded the ball in that situation Tuesday. Then with as much surprise as the Panthers blowing a 19-point second-half lead, the middle of East Ridge’s defense opened wide at the wrong time.
His demand of receiving the ball met, Kitchens took it to the basket for a finger-roll layup that fell through the net shortly before time expired, and Brainerd claimed the District 6-AA boys’ high school basketball championship with a 63-62 victory on its home court.
In Region 3 quarterfinals Saturday, Brainerd (23-9) will host Meigs County in the District 5 consolation game and East Ridge (21-10) will host McMinn Central.
On the strength of a 23-point third quarter, East Hamilton pulled away from a halftime tie with Red Bank and won 48-35 in the girls’ final.
East Hamilton (21-8) will host Polk County and Red Bank (11-15) will host Meigs County on Friday in region quarterfinals.