Quitman Bulldogs hang with tough Atlanta squad

By Larry Tucker
editor@wood.cm
Posted 12/2/21

It’s rare to see playoff intensity basketball at the Thanksgiving break, but the Quitman Bulldogs went toe to toe with District 14-3A heavy favorite Atlanta Monday prior to Thanksgiving. A long …

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Quitman Bulldogs hang with tough Atlanta squad

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It’s rare to see playoff intensity basketball at the Thanksgiving break, but the Quitman Bulldogs went toe to toe with District 14-3A heavy favorite Atlanta Monday prior to Thanksgiving. A long three-point attempt fell short as the Bulldogs clawed their way back from a nine-point deficit in the final quarter before falling to the Rabbits 63-61.

It was a well-played early season effort by both teams. Quitman Head Coach Brandon Field’s young sophomores from last season have molded into an explosive veteran crew that will be able to compete for a playoff spot.

Atlanta started the game with a successful three-point shot from 6’4” Alex Boston, but the Bulldogs came right back with a triple by Levi Thompson to  even things at 3-3. Boston was a huge factor as he went on to score 37 points, hitting from long range and driving to the bucket. The Bulldogs used a well-balanced offense and a hustling opportunistic defense to keep up with the Rabbits.

Brady Floyd drove the lane for a lay-up bringing the Bulldogs to within 14-13 with 2:10 left in the first quarter. The quarter ended on a basket by Boston, and the Rabbits led 20-14.

Quitman roared back in the second quarter on solid efforts from Hunter Jordan and Thomas Sebedra. A three-point shot by Ford Tannbaum with 4:08 left in the first half tied the game at 24-24.

Quitman took its second lead on a Jordan bucket, giving the Bulldogs a 27-26 edge followed by a driving shot down the lane by Sebedra making it 29-26. 

That was short-lived as Atlanta came back and ended the first half on a triple by Boston giving them the halftime lead at 31-29. The Rabbits owned the third quarter, outscoring Quitman 20-13, taking a 51-42 lead going into the final quarter.

A hustling Bulldog defense made things happen with their tenacious efforts in the final quarter. Thompson led the Quitman comeback as he had 10 points in the final eight minutes. After being down by nine points, Quitman tied the game at 52-52 on a pair of Thompson free throws with 4:35 left.

The final minute of the game was filled with a valiant effort from the Bulldogs. Down 61-59, Thompson got a steal and drove the length of the court to score on a driving layup making it 61-61. Boston hit a pair of free throws with four seconds left. The Bulldogs’ last shot was from half court and fell just short giving the Rabbits the 63-61 win.

Thompson led the Bulldogs with 18 points followed by Jordan with 13 points and Brady Floyd 11.

Quitman traveled to Alba-Golden Nov. 30 as non-district play continues. District 13-3A action will begin at home against Harmony Dec. 21.