By Bart Moss

For the FCT

Tyler Willis hit five three-pointers Tuesday night for the Russellville Golden Tigers. It was the last one, however, that proved to be the biggest in the 73-63 victory over the Tharptown Wildcats.

The first-ever meeting between the two Franklin County schools proved to be an exciting matchup.

Russellville jumped out to a 21-13 first quarter lead, but Tharptown fought back in the second quarter to cut the Golden Tigers’ lead to 49-36.

Russellville led Tharptown 57-49 going into the fourth quarter.

Russellville took a 14-point lead early in the fourth and appeared to be on the verge of putting the game on ice. Tharptown had other plans, however.

The Wildcats went on an 11-0 run to cut the Golden Tigers’ lead to three points with less than two minutes to play in the game.

That’s when Willis came off a pick and drained his final three-pointer of the night. Not only did it stop the Wildcat’s run but also ended Tharptown’s chance of a major upset.

Willis led Russellville with 16 points. Also in double figures for the Golden Tigers were Colby Tompkins (12), Reed Smith (11) and Adonnis Bailey (10). Other scorers were Chris Owens (7), Jalen Scott (6), Austin Stidham (5), Juwan White (4), and Cotton Hargett (2).

Tharptown senior Kelby Hallmark led all scorers with 17 points. Also in double figures for the Wildcats were Drake Lawson (10) and Max Nolen (10). Other scorers were Heath Hatton (8), Riley Nolen (8), Nathan Chaney (9), and Brady Petree (3).