Making the extra pass worked wonders for McCallie in the first round of the Best of Preps basketball tournament Wednesday at Chattanooga State.
The Blue Tornado’s 18 3-pointers set a tournament record, with nine players making shots from long range in an 81-47 victory over Lakeview-Fort Oglethorpe. Senior guards Kollin Claridy and Parker Robison connected on four each, scored 16 points apiece and put on a clinic with their ball distribution.
McCallie’s 18 single-game treys (on 33 attempts) are tied for 11th in the TSSAA record book.
“I didn’t even realize we made that many,” first-year head coach Steve Robison said. “We have guys who can really shoot it, but not contested. Our goal is to just drive and kick. If the shot’s there then take it, but if not keep it moving and we will get another one. If you can shoot that well, you will go really far. Especially if you can play some defense.”
The Blue Tornado (6-6), last year’s Best of Preps champions, started to pull away in the second quarter as Parker Robison jump-started a 13-0 run with a mid-range jumper. He capped the dominant stretch with a 3 for a 35-21 lead.