Gaffney loses slugfest

Photo by LARRY HILLIARD Gaffney High's Jeff Brown scores a basket against Boiling Springs recently. Brown had 17 points for Gaffney in its 86-78 loss to Knox Central Sunday in the Cumberland Falls Invitational in Corbin, Ky. Like two boxers trading punches, Gaffney and Knox Central took each others best shots Sunday on opening day in the Cumberland Falls Invitational.

Josh Corry scored 34 points to help Gaffney to a one point halftime lead and a two point advantage at the end of the third quarter. But it was the good free throw shooting of Knox Central that provided the knockout blow in its 86- 78 victory over Gaffney.

Knox Central hit a couple baskets in the opening minutes of the final period and then finished off the game from the free throw line. With his team forced to foul, Gaffney basketball coach Mark Huff could only watch Knox Central make their free throws to preserve the win.

"They were able to get a lead on us in the fourth quarter so we were forced to foul," Huff said. "Knox Central attempted 16 free throws in the fourth quarter while we had one. Free throws were the difference in the game."

Three Gaffney players accounted for the bulk of the scoring against Knox Central.

Jeff Brown scored 17 points and Chase Smith had 10 points to complement a monster offensive night from Corry.

Cody Miller was the leading scorer for Knox Central with 23 points.

Knox Central hit six 3-pointers in the contest and benefited from strong play from their backcourt.

"Knox Central had two really good guards," Huff said. "They just outplayed us."

The Cumberland Falls Invitational is a 3-day after Christmas tournament featuring some of the top Kentucky high school basketball programs. Gaffney will play at least two more games in the basketball tournament.

Gaffney (6-2) will play Boyle County High School today at 4:30 p.m. Their final opponent will be determined by the game's outcome.