Andrews unstoppable in Eagle victory

Eagle point guard Deonta Twilley makes a move toward the basket. (T-G Photo by Gary Johnson) [Click to enlarge] [Order this photo]

After a slow start out the gate, Shelbyville Central kicked in into overdrive, highlighted by a 26-2 run in the first half in the Eagles 71-61 victory over visiting McGavock in a TSSAA Hall of Champions game Tuesday night.

After falling behind 14-3 midway through the first quarter, the Eagles (1-0) closed out the first quarter with a 17-2 run, then scored eight unanswered points to start the second to take a 29-16 lead.

"At the start of the game we didn't get into our full-court press break like we needed to and they were to get some points off our mistakes," Shelbyville coach Kevin Thomas said. "We finally settled down and did a good job of breaking their press and got a lot of easy shots during that run. We also turned up the defensive pressure and that really hurt them offensively."

The Eagles cruised to a 12-point lead by the half and took a 51-40 advantage into the final stanza.

Emmanuel Andrews scored 37 points in the Eagles' win over McGavock Tuesday night. (T-G Photo by Gary Johnson) [Click to enlarge] [Order this photo]

Junior Emmanuel Andrews was unstoppable offensively, scoring a game-high 37 points balanced throughout all four quarters.

He also cashed in on 13-of-14 free throw attempts, nailed a pair of 3-pointers and collected three steals.

Senior point guard Deonta Twilley followed with 19 points, four assists and four steals.

"Emmanuel and Deonta really played well tonight and I was extremely proud of how we closed the game out in the fourth quarter at the foul line," Thomas said.

Shelbyville connected on 16-of-19 shots at the charity stripe in the fourth quarter to secure the victory.

Fred Lee led the Raiders with 19 points.

McGavock dominated the boards, collecting 44 compared to the Eagles 23.

Shelbyville was playing without two of their taller players.

Sophomore post Seth Jarrell suffered a knee injury early in the preseason and could return in approximately three weeks. Sophomore Bobby Wilson has just about recovered from a high ankle sprain.

Both players will provide much needed height down low for the Eagles.

The Eagles host Cookeville in another TSSAA Hall of Game Fame Friday night.