Walker Valley sophomore Hobie Brabson played like a veteran late in Tuesday's 66-59 home win over McCallie.
After Spencer Turner showcased his powerful post moves to cut what was once an 18-point deficit to four for the Blue Tornado, Brabson stepped up in crunch time.
The second-year varsity player hung in the air on a drive to the left baseline, hitting his shot through contact as well as the ensuing free throw. Brabson then followed that by forcing a steal in the paint on the defensive end, which led to a highlight-reel worthy layup as Spencer Jackson beat the 7-foot-1 David Craig down the right baseline and scored on an up-and-under layup to make the lead 53-44.
Senior Hayden Moore provided an important box out soon after to increase the lead to double digits as the Mustangs improved to 4-0 to start the season.
"This is a great group of guys who are extreme competitors and work hard every day," said Walker Valley coach Will Campbell. "They will scrap, fight, claw as best they can. I will take a team that will lay it out on the line every night over a team that is loaded with just athleticism."
While McCallie had a handful of players at 6-foot-4 or taller, the Mustangs made due with a lineup that had just one player over 6-foot.
A lineup of savvy guards struck early as the inside-out game and screens worked well for Walker Valley, which hit 6-of-8 from 3-point range, including a 25-footer from Jackson at the first quarter buzzer for a 25-9 lead.
McCallie battled back as its defense improved on its face-guarding, while Wilson Rankin and Turner were big offensively. Rankin scored 15 of his game-high 17 points in the second half, while Turner converted three successful AND-1 opportunities and scored 16.
Walker Valley had five players in double figures with Moore leading the way with 13.
"We have been coming out and making shots and being really scrappy," said Moore, whose team hit 19 3-pointers in a game earlier this season. "In practice we go hard every day and carry it over to the games. We love hooping and I am enjoying the start to my senior year."
BOYS' BASKETBALL
' Bradley Central 70, Clinton 65: Mason Rothwell's 19 points led the Bears, who connected on 48-percent of their field goals, to the win in the Maryville Classic. Tucker Greene finished with 16 and Karter Howard 11 for Bradley Central.
' Maryville 69, Bradley Central 37: Tucker Greene led the Bears with 14 points in the Maryville Classic loss.
' Brentwood Academy 50, Baylor 48: The Eagles Alec Rasmussen hit the game-winner with six seconds remaining and Baylor's Eli Sparkman's halfcourt heave at the buzzer hit the front of the rim. Al Peciulis led the Red Raiders with 20 points and Sparkman finished with 9.
' Silverdale Baptist Academy 57, Heritage 43: Owen Neal scored 18 points, including seven in a game-sealing third period, as the Seahawks cruised to the interstate win. Sam Bambrey added 10 points for the winners, while Cooper Terry had a game-high 21 for Heritage.
' Plainview 71, East Hamilton 58: Led by Marcus Long and Darwin Randolph - who each had 18 points - the Hurricanes (3-1) battled back from a 13-point halftime deficit to cut the lead to one with four minutes left. Plainview - who has won two of the past three state championships in its classification in Alabama - however answered with back-to-back 3s and hit key free throws down the stretch to seal the win.
GIRLS' BASKETBALL
' Bradley Central 43, Oakland 33: Anna Muhonen led Bradley with 16 points and Hannah Jones added 10. Both players also finished with 5 rebounds and 3 assists.
' Signal Mountain 39, Northwest Whitfield 19: The Lady Eagles put forth a dominant second half in which they won the scoring battle 24-8 to improve to 2-1. Olivia Koontz and Cassidy Pawson each had 13 points for Signal Mountain.
WRESTLING
' Heritage finished as the Bronze Division champion this past weekend in Valdosta. The Generals, despite having three starters in quarantine, defeated Class AAAAA Veterans 60-14 in the division semifinals before downing Class AAAA power West Laurens 51-21 in the finals. Tate Thomas (106 pounds) and Garrett Pennington (145) each was 4-1 over the weekend with two pins, while Andrew Moore (113), Cayman Hughey (132) and Braeden Oliver (heavyweight) each won three matches.