The Manchester Academy Mavericks ended their basketball season last week after falling to Sylva Bay 57-55 in the second round of the South State Tournament.
Coach Jacob Iles said that the Manchester boys consistently kept falling behind in the game and had to keep fighting back to close the deficits on the scoreboard.
"We trailed by 3 at the half and closed the gap to 1 in the 4th quarter, but we could not get any closer," he said.
Parks Poe led the team with 29 points and 10 rebounds, and Jon Riley Poe had 15 points.
"Upton Hitt played inspired defense and led the team with 12 rebounds," Iles said.
Parks Poe was also honored by being named to the South State All Tournament Team at the closing ceremonies.
Although the team's season fell short of their ultimate goal, which was to win the championship at South State and enter the State tournament, Iles said this season was still a successful one.
"The guys once again came straight off the football field and onto the hardwood without a chance to catch their breath," he said. "Our district schedule is incredibly difficult and the guys fought to help us win a lot of games."
Iles said that with 4 starters returning to the team, he looks forward to another successful season next year.
Parks Poe ended the season leading the team with an average of 16 points per game, followed by Jon Riley Poe who averaged 14. Tyler Bardwell made huge strides in his Junior year this season by averaging 8 rebounds per game on defense.
Iles said that the seniors on the team put in a great effort, with Upton Hitt averaging 8 points and 6 rebounds per game, and Ty Kilpatrick averaging 3 points and 3 rebounds per game.
