Patience and composure are not characteristics often attributed to high school students. That can be especially true in prep basketball, where the frenzied and chaotic nature of the game sometimes overshadows fundamentals.
Ooltewah’s boys challenged that stereotype Tuesday night against visiting McMinn Central, playing composed, fundamental basketball to win 58-51 over the Chargers. Ooltewah turned the ball over just seven times and were led by senior Greyson Wood with 21 points.
“We talk a lot about cherishing the basketball, and I felt like we did tonight,” Owls coach Jay Williams said. “In a situation like we had tonight, we can’t afford to give away possessions.”
It was a contrast in styles to begin the game. The teams traded baskets early, as Ooltewah (2-1) patiently worked the ball inside and penetrated the gaps in McMinn Central’s zone defense, while the Chargers (0-1) were on fire from behind the arc with Isaiah Farrar hitting three 3-pointers.
With just under two minutes left in the quarter, the Owls got a spark from senior Kevin Smith, whose energy off the bench ignited a 13-0 run – with Smith scoring eight of his 10 points – that gave Ooltewah a 23-12 lead midway through the second period.