EVENSVILLE, Tenn. – It is referred to as a “get-back game.” A team might not be playing well, or could be coming off a frustrating loss, and whoever its next opponent is perhaps provides an opportunity to “get back” to the norm.
Tuesday night, Rhea County became Ooltewah’s chance to get back on the right track in a big way.
The Owls scored 54 first-half points and hit 10 3-point baskets on their way to a 93-54 District 5-AAA victory over the Golden Eagles. The game was a far cry from the teams’ first meeting, when Rhea overcame a 10-point deficit to win by four. That defeat, plus a loss Jan. 20 to Bradley Central, had the Owls hungry for payback.
“We were very angry — and frustrated,” Ooltewah senior Jervon Johnson said. “We had a couple of good practices and came out ready to play tonight. It also helped that we heard they were No. 1 in the district coming in, and now this win puts us in a good spot.”
Ooltewah improved to 18-3 overall and 6-2 in District 5-AAA, moving a half-game ahead of Bradley Central (5-2) and a half-game behind Cleveland (7-2). Rhea is 6-3.