The Red Bay Tigers found themselves in an unfamiliar situation Friday night – one that will, no doubt, help them down the stretch as they pursue a trip to the Final Four in Birmingham. The Tigers were locked in a battle with the Mars Hill Panthers from the opening tip to the final buzzer, and Red Bay prevailed 55-50.

Red Bay led Mars Hill 13-11 at the end of the first quarter. The Tigers led 19-11 early in the second quarter before Mars Hill mounted a comeback to outscore Red Bay 15-10 and take a 26-23 halftime lead.

The Panthers pushed their lead out to five points early in the third quarter before Red Bay started a comeback. Clay Allison hit a three-pointer with 3:46 to go in the third quarter to tie the game, and the Tigers reclaimed the lead 36-35 with 0:32 to go in the third on a putback by Tanner Hamilton.

Red Bay 53, Belgreen 34

The Red Bay Tigers held the Belgreen Bulldogs to two field goals in the second half, leading the way to a 53-34 win over their rivals.

Gath Weatherford scored seven points in the first quarter to help Red Bay to an early 18-12 lead. Lane Shewbart scored six points in the second quarter, helping the Tigers extend their lead to 31-22. Red Bay outscored Belgreen 12-6 in the third quarter and 10-6 in the fourth.

Colton Corum and Allison led Red Bay with 11 points and 10 points respectively. Weatherford added nine points, Hunter Bays eight points, Shewbart eight points, Alex Kennedy four points, and Jalen Vinson three points.

Mason Bragwell led Belgreen with 15 points. Scout Bragwell added eight points, Kostner Bryant six points, Brant Bragwell three points and Gavin Taylor two points.