Morristown tops Southwestern for third time this season, eliminates Spartans from sectional

Southwestern could not find an answer for Morristown all season.

On Tuesday in the opening game of the Edinburgh Sectional, the Spartans rolled out to a 19-12 lead after one quarter but could not hold off the Yellow Jackets, who hit seven three-pointers over the final three quarters to secure their third win over the Spartans this season.

Kane Snyder hit four 3s and scored a team-high 16 points to help Morristown advance with a 66-51 victory. Brayden Keithley scored 15 points and Kellen Crim finished with 13 to get the Yellow Jackets a semifinal round game at Class A, Sectional 60 Friday against Oldenburg Academy (11-11).

Mitchell Clements and Michael Clements each hit two 3s in the opening quarter to stake Southwestern to a 7-point lead at the first break.

Five different Yellow Jackets scored in the second quarter to get them into the lead, 31-28, at halftime.

The two rivals traded baskets in the third quarter with Morristown holding a 46-43 advantage going into the final quarter.

The Spartans (3-18) scored just eight points in the final eight minutes and Morristown (5-18) made 10-of-14 free-throw attempts to seal the program’s first sectional game victory since 2021.

Ben Kahler scored a game-high 22 points to lead Southwestern. Mitchell Clements finished with 12 points.

Carter Snepp, Southwestern’s lone senior, scored seven points in his final game.

The Edinburgh Sectional continues tonight with two quarterfinal round contests.

In the opener, Jac-Cen-Del (9-14) takes on Waldron (9-12) at 6 p.m. GIANT fm (96.5 fm, 1520 am, GIANT fm app) will broadcast the game. The pre-game show starts at 5:30 p.m.

In the second game, the host Lancers (11-10) battle South Decatur (10-13). The winners of both Wednesday games return to Edinburgh Friday for a 7:30 p.m. semifinal contest.

Morristown will seek a better outcome Friday in the first semifinal at 6 p.m. against Oldenburg Academy after suffering a 64-46 loss on Nov. 28 to the Twisters.

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