Published: December 31, 2008 10:03 pm      

Elliott goes to 8-1

Lions take consolation title in S.C.

MYRTLE BEACH, S.C. — Elliott County had some fun in the sun.

After losing its opener in the Beach Ball Classic, the Lions stormed back for three consecutive wins to capture the consolation championship, capped by a 78-69 victory over Southside, S.C., on Wednesday.

The Lions used an 8-0 spurt to break open a tight game midway through the second half, going from being ahead 50-49 to 58-49.

Evan Faulkner started the run with a 3-pointer off an assist from Chris Knipp and Timmy Knipp’s three-point play following an offensive rebound closed it out.

Elliott County (8-1) made 12 of 32 attempts from 3-point range.

Evan Faulkner scored 22, Jonathan Ferguson 19, Timmy Knipp 15 and Ethan Faulkner had 13 points and five assists.

The Lions dropped a 63-53 decision to Cedar Hill, Tex., in the tournament opener and then rattled off three consecutive victories against high-caliber competition.

Elliott County’s floor play was near-perfect against Southside, committing only five turnovers.

Southside, ranked in the top 10 in South Carolina and 13-2 overall, had a 28-point, 14-rebound performance from Quniton Thomas and 27 points from Robbie Dresher.

Elliott County returns home on Friday to play Rowan County.