Johnny Morgan, coach at McMinn Central High SchoolMURFREESBORO, Tenn. – Johnny Morgan first tipped his hat to McMinn Central’s opponent, then claimed foul.
“The team that beat us was better than us today, the Chargerette coach said after ninth-ranked Chargerettes’ bid to repeat as the Class 2A state champion was halted by No. 3 Obion Central in a 69-60 loss in Wednesday’s tournament quarterfinals.
“I’ve never said this before. But you know what I think the difference was? The officiating. I’ve never said that in the 15 years I’ve been over here. They didn’t call it the same on both ends. That’s what I think the difference was.”
The final stats gave some credibility to Morgan’s belief as OC shot 39 free throws (23 made) to just 13 attempted (7 made) for McMinn Central. The Chargerettes were called for 27 fouls and had three players – Miss Basketball finalist Elizabeth Masengil, Kelsey Young and Peyton Williams – foul out in the fourth quarter.
Obion Central’s Brandi Goodman scored 14 of her game-high 21 points in the fourth quarter before fouling out and dominated play in the post as the Lady Rebels pulled away over the final either minutes after entering the stretch run with a slim 40-39 edge.