BABROURVILLE — Pineville entered Friday night as the defending 51st District champion, but few expected the Mountain Lions to repeat as the No. 3 seed on the road.
After graduating their top five scorers from a year ago, Pineville once again proved its grit, stunning top-seeded Knox Central 80-79 in double overtime to claim back-to-back district titles on the Panthers’ home floor.
The win marked a historic moment for the program, as Pineville captured its first consecutive district championships in school history and the sixth district title overall.
Knox Central had defeated Pineville 89-66 during the regular season and appeared poised to defend its home court, but the Mountain Lions refused to fold in a game that swung back and forth deep into the night.
Preston Zachery led Pineville with 25 points, while Anderson Gentry added 21. Noah Slone scored 19 points, and Brady Haymaker finished with 10, giving the Mountain Lions four players in double figures in the championship win.
Knox Central was led by Hayden Melton with 21 points, while Evan Hubbard added 19. Spencer Prichard scored 13 points, and Evan Taylor chipped in 10, but the Panthers were unable to close the door in the extra periods.
