Whitefield Comes Up Short in Semifinals Versus Terrell County

 MACON - Last year, same point in the season, it was Whitefield Academy who beat Terrell County in the Class A semifinal. There was one significant difference this time around - it’s Terrell’s turn.

The Greenwave avenged last season’s defeat by upending the Wolfpack 66-63 Wednesday night at the Macon Centreplex.

Whitefield was within a shot of overtime but was called for a back-court violation with three seconds left -- a call that television replays showed to be wrong.

But that didn't matter to Wolfpack coach Tyrone Johnson, who had no argument with the outcome.

“They won that game not from skill, but will,” he said. “You've got to commend them for that. I take my hat off to them because they really wanted it. This is a tournament of champions; it's measured by the team that wants it most.”  

Whitefield started the game with a 7-0 run but trailed 19-15 heading into the second quarter, which finished tied, 33-33.

A back-and-forth third quarter swung in Terrell's favor when Marqez Dotson hit three-consecutive three-point shots to pull out a 49-46 lead. From there, the Greenwave went on a roll, opening up a 64-54 gap with 2:13 left in the game.

Then Whitefield woke up. A 6-2 run, capped by a Kenneth Gaines three-pointer, set up a tense final few moments. Whitefield had the ball for the final shot to force overtime, but was left frustrated by the game-ending call.   

Defeat was compounded by the Wolfpack missing five foul shots in the stretch and conceding 23 turnovers in the game.

“Mentally we were not engaged,” said Johnson. “There were multiple stretches where we didn't stay in front of your guy -- basketball 101. If you're a pretty good free-throw shooting team, which we are, it comes down to mental toughness."

News reports during the week had focused on Terrell's feelings of injustice from last year’s defeat, which Johnson said he sensed throughout the game.   

“I read quite a few comments. There was one with a guy saying that they won’t be the ones this time who get hit, pretty much insinuating they would be the most physical team,” Johnson said. “Those comments were indicative of the inner desire they had.”

Whitefield finishes the season at 28-4. Wednesday’s loss not only eliminated the Wolfpack, but it snaps a 10-game winning streak dating back to January.