Terrell Academy boys fall in state quarterfinals

MOUNT VERNON — One of the best seasons in Terrell Academy’s boys basketball history came to an end Saturday night in the quarterfinals of the Georgia Independent Schools Association Class AA state basketball tournament at Brewton Parker College.

The Eagles dropped a 74-68 setback to Strong Rock, ending their season at 22-7. The loss keeps Terrell from making a trip to the final four at Mercer University’s Hawkins Arena.

“Our season is not defined by one game,” Terrell Academy coach Robert Bryant said. “I’m not happy our season is over, but I’m glad the season happened. We had a great run with a great group of athletes. I don’t think they could have worked any harder.”

Bryant said Terrell’s defense played well against much-bigger Strong Rock.

“Our guys did a great job in the post against their 6-11 and 6-8 guys,” Bryant said. “We limited them to eight and two points respectively. But we could never get over the hump, and we could never get a run going.”

Herald Super 6er Jalin Wimberly led the Eagles with 18 points, while Jared Donalson and Reese Bell scored 11 points apiece. Zeb Waters finished with 10.

Strong Rock’s entire starting lineup was 6-feet or taller.

“It’s just hard to overcome that length,” Bryant said. “They just take over so much space on the floor. But we played as hard as we could have played.”

Bryant said he couldn’t be disappointed with his team’s finish. The Eagles won their first region tournament title last week since 1981 and routed Piemont in the first round.