Sparkman falls in N2Hoops consolation finals

HARVEST – Just like the championship game, the consolation finals of the N2Hoops Invitational featured two Class 7A teams with Auburn defeating host Sparkman 55-49 Wednesday night.

It was a defensive battle from the outset. The game was tied at 8-all after one quarter before the Tigers took leads of 19-15 at halftime and 3829 entering the fourth period.

For the host Senators, it was another rung on a ladder that first-year coach Obediah Threadgill can only hope continues an upward trajectory.

“It has been a bumpy early start,” Threadgill said after his squad fell to 4-6. “But our kids are playing hard and they’re trying to buy in. We are trying to get them to be more accepting of the group to be able to get better.’’

The coach advises patience for now. There’s a process. For example, he said, two 7A programs that have met with recent success – James Clemens and Huntsville – have coaches who have been in place at least half a dozen years. The Jets’ Frankie Sullivan is in his sixth season and the Panthers’ Christian Schweers is in his seventh.

Sparkman has four seniors. The rest of the roster features players who will return, including three freshmen.

“The majority of our team is coming back (next season),’’ Threadgill said. “They’ve got to embrace the challenge, embrace the change.’’

Against Auburn, junior guard Makhi Hammon led Sparkman with 12 points. For Auburn (7-2), Tabari Allen scored 14 points and Cash Reif added 11.

All-Tournament team: Auburn – Antwane Daniels, Tabari Allen; Austin – Caiden Ricks; Bob Jones – Kaden Rickard; East Limestone – Zak Cain; Eufaula – Jamil Davis; Florence – Bryant James; Hazel Green – Michael Stewart; Huntsville – JD Gossett (MVP), Eli Stapler, Simon Walker, Brayden Rivers; James Clemens – London Townson, Noah Gorman; Lee – Keonta Watkins; Madison Academy – Shane Duke; Northridge – Anderson Wilkin; Sparkman – Eli Bannister, Caleb Lightford; Sumter-Central – Emmanuel Clarton; Westminster – Kendall Epps