On Tuesday, the annual Jared Cook Tipoff Classic concluded with host, the North Gwinnett Bulldogs, taking on the Tiger Tigers, who entered the night at 5-1 having won their last five games, while the Bulldogs, at 1-1 on the season, looked to keep momentum coming off their 71-35 win over Jackson County on Monday night.
Despite the Tigers opening up the game on a 5-0 run, the first half remained relatively close as North Gwinnett responded with a 6-0 run to take a 6-5 lead following a Braylon Wright three-point basket, however Tucker would close out the quarter outscoring the Bulldogs 8-5 to lead 13-11 heading into the
second quarter.
With the second quarter underway, North Gwinnett would have momentum swing in their direction as they would outscore the Tigers 22-15 to take a 33-28 lead, however Tucker would score the final five points of the period to tie the game 33-33 before the first half came to an end.
In the third quarter, Jakobe Williams would score 11 of his game high 26 points, helping Tucker outscore the Bulldogs 24-16 in the period to take a 57-49 lead into the fourth quarter, in which North Gwinnett would get within four points of the Tigers, however would not be able to tie the game or regain the lead as Tucker picked up the 71-64 win, improving to 6-1 on the season.
“We still aren’t where I think we should be,” Tucker head coach, James Hartry said following Tuesday win as he praised his players for their efforts to reach the 6-1 start, however believes with the season being early, there is room for his team to improve in some areas.
“Seven games in, we’re happy with where we’re at. I’ll take 6-1, I think we just have to get better, we have to keep working,” Hartry said as he noted his wished for his front court players to establish their dominance as the season progresses. “We want to do a little inside game. I’m old school, I’m scared of
those three-point shots but I love those shots in the paint,” Hartry said.
Tucker will be back in action after the Thanksgiving break when they host region rival St. Pius X.