C2D2: Redbirds fall short against Summersville

VAN BUREN — The East Carter Redbirds entered the Class 2 District 2 championship game with a season riddled with challenges, but entered the game as the top seed against a formidable No. 3 Summersville Wildcats squad.

Friday’s game was a one-point contest at halftime, but Summersville steadily pulled away after the break to take a 61-50 win and the district championship.

“It was one of those years,” said East Carter coach Jordan Penn. “Like I told the boys in locker room, if I said it was a great year I’d be lying because there’s been some ups and downs and there’s been some hardships.”

Friday’s game was a tight contest much of the way.

Kasen McCarty’s basket late in the opening period put East Carter ahead 10-9, then Micah Thompson put the Redbirds ahead 17-12 early in the second quarter.

However, the Wildcats did not give up, going on an 8-2 run to lead 20-19 — and eventually taking a 29-28 lead to the locker room.

Summersville slowly took control of the game in the second half, denying the Redbirds several opportunities to regain the lead.

An East Carter turnover led to a Wildcat basket and a six-point lead.

Summersville continued to control the game in the fourth quarter, stretching its lead to as much as 10 points. The Redbirds tried to mount a comeback, but could not get over the hump.

“We had to go through some things to get past some other things so we were up and down all year, but these kids battled,” Penn said. “They have a heart of gold.”

The Redbirds were led in scoring by Thompson, who finished with 18 points, while McCarty finished with 12.

Friday’s district final also was the last game at East Carter for Penn, who announced he is stepping down as the team’s coach.

“I’m taking a new job, so it’s my last coaching job at East Carter,” Penn said. “I told the kids last Friday and that was hard on them, but they responded tonight. I’m just proud of them. We didn’t do what we wanted to do, but the opportunity to get here is worth everything. If you would have told us in the beginning of the year that we (would play) for the district championship, I would have called you a liar. In the end, these kids I have worked so hard, and they fought for me. Proud is an understatement.”

The Wildcats will now take on Cooter in sectional action Monday evening at Bloomfield High School. Cooter defeated Neelyville 72-54 to win the Class 2 District 1 championship.