Tornadoes fend off Golden Eagles in thriller
By: Charlie Ihlenfeld
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BELPRE, Ohio (WOUB)– The Southern Tornadoes went to face the Belpre Golden Eagles to defend their perfect TVC-Hocking record and clinch an outright conference title for the first since 2014. After a back-and-forth fourth quarter, the Tornadoes were able to emerge with the title in a 48-41 win. Behind 18 points from Andre Chandler, this Southern squad was able to etch their names into history for the program.
In the first quarter, both teams demonstrated what would characterize the first half: turnovers. From the jump, both teams were making opportune reads on passes while also committing unforced errors. In addition to getting the top-ranked Tornadoes on their home floor, Belpre was looking to take the contest on their senior night. With a packed crowd, the Golden Eagles capitalized on the chaos to take a 14-12 lead heading into the second quarter.
While the turnovers did not let up in the second quarter, Southern was able to better execute their transition offense. Leaning on the speed and depth of the lineup, the Tornadoes erased the narrow first quarter deficit. Kase Nelson and senior Landon Everson were key parts of the offense for Southern, easing the load on Andre Chandler in the first quarter. After a buzzer beater at the end of the half, Southern had taken command of the game with 26-21 lead heading into the locker room.
The Tornadoes dominated out of the break, seizing their largest lead of 12 points behind Chandler. In the wake of an uncharacteristically slow first half, the junior point guard spearheaded an aggressive downhill attack for Southern. Further, the squad found their rhythm from beyond the arc, keeping the Golden Eagles busy from all over the floor. After three quarters of play, Southern led Belpre 42-32.
With only one quarter remaining, the Golden Eagles found new life. Belpre, led by senior Chris Copen who finished with 11 points, four rebounds and three blocks, stormed back to cut the lead to three points with only 2:20 left to play. Despite getting several possessions to tie the game, Belpre could not find the basket for the rest of the game. After breaking the Golden Eagle press, free throws ended the game as the Tornadoes survived Belpre 48-41.
Southern officially clinches an outright TVC-Hocking title for the first time since 2014, but their regular season is not over. Tomorrow, they face former TVC-Hocking rival the Miller Falcons, and next week, they will play Southeastern, Eastern and Peebles to round out the regular season. Belpre has a quick turnaround as well, heading to Fort Frye tomorrow. Next week, they finish out their regular season schedule with Eastern and Waterford.