In a defensive battle, one offensive play stood out.
Coming out of a timeout with just three seconds remaining in a tie game, Tyner executed an inbounds play to perfection as Latavious Conyers drove toward the basket and sank the game-winner just before the buzzer sounded. The junior’s shot lifted the Rams to their third consecutive District 6-AA tournament championship with a 38-36 decision over rival Howard Tuesday night.
“This has been such a unique year,” said Rams coach E’Jay Ward. “There was a time right before the Christmas break where the season got put on hold and we really didn’t even know when we would get to play again. But these kids just kept working, showing up to get better and that makes this one really special.”
It was the epitome of a team win for Tyner (17-2) as all nine players who saw action scored, but none finished in double figures. Senior Amarion Dillard led the Rams with nine points, with Conyers and Keelan Jackson each adding five. Conyers’ only two field goals came in the fourth quarter and Jackson also had 14 rebounds and four blocked shots.
“That was really the difference, the way Keelan controlled the glass,” Ward said. “Those were difference makers. He’s only a sophomore but he’s been a starter for us all season. He’s a young kid but he’s grown up a lot and now is a big part of what we’re doing.”
The win also earns Tyner the No. 1 seed for the Region 3-AA tournament, which includes the right to host.
The two rivals had split the regular-season series and Tyner appeared to take command by holding Howard to just three points in the third quarter, taking a 26-20 lead into the final quarter of the low-scoring game. But the Hustlin’ Tigers – who connected on 11 of 14 free throw attempts – rallied late and had a chance to force overtime before Conyers stepped up. Xavier Fisher led all scorers with 13 points, including three 3-pointers, for Howard.
“I know things still aren’t normal but it definitely feels more like we’re getting back to normal a little,” Ward said. “I’m just so thankful to be able to play this game and coach these kids and see what they can do from here.”
Contact Stephen Hargis at shargis@timesfreepress.com or 423-757-6293. Follow him on Twitter @StephenHargis.