Chargers win OT game against Upperman
JEFF NEAL
nealjeff061@gmail.com

Oakland’s Makik Fowler blocks the shot of Upperman’s Mavrik McCoin during their sectional game at Oakland Saturday. JIM DAVIS

The Oakland Middle School’s boys’ basketball team had to fight off a pesky Upperman Yellow Jacket team Saturday afternoon at home in their TMSAA sectional game.

In the end, the Chargers came out victorious 34-27 to punch their ticket to the upcoming TMSAA State Tournament Feb. 13-14 at Rockvale.

It will be Oakland’s first appearance at the TMSAA Tourney since 2020, and the Chargers will carry a 20-0 record into the tournament.

A nip-and-tuck game against Upperman found Oakland ahead 14-12 as several ties ensued and each team stuck in their zone for the entirety of the contest.

“That was our plan to try and stop their best two players and make the other three beat us,” Oakland coach Eric Moore said. “We have a chance to do something special.

“These kids have worked hard all season and done what we have asked them to do and have not been a problem.”

During the extra time, Oakland was 7-of-10 from the charity stripe, along with a forced turnover and a layup from Brennon Thomas.

Upperman hit one field goal — a 3-pointer by Hutson Bush, who led all scorers with 13 points.

BOX SCORE

Upperman (27): Hutson Bush 13, Mavrick McCoin 10, LK Bradley 2, Logan Roberts 2.

Oakland (33): Titus Holloway 9, Makik Fowler 7, Deangelo Kinnear 7, Brennon Thomas 4, Kyreese Leavy 3, Maddox Lillis 3.

Oakland’s Titus Holloway goes for the steal but Upperman’s Mavrik McCoin pulls the ball away during their sectional game at Oakland Saturday. JIM DAVIS

Oakland’s Brennon Thomas catches the fast break pass over his shoulder in front of Upperman’s LK Bradley and takes it to the hoop during their sectional game at Oakland Saturday. JIM DAVIS

Oakland Middle’s Titus Holloway makes a pass around the jumping defense of Upperman’s LK Bradley. Watching is Upperman’s Hutson Bush during their sectional game at Oakland Saturday. JIM DAVIS

Oakland Middle’s Makik Fowler reaches for the ball between Upperman’s Logan Roberts and Mavrik McCoin during their sectional game at Oakland Saturday. JIM DAVIS