Despite 20 points and 3 blocks from senior Ehi Ataga, the varsity basketball squad fell just short of winning the black bracket of the KSA Events Holiday Tournament in Kissimmee, Florida, dropping a 50-49 contest to Musselman High School (WV). 

The Owls were very effective in the first half by limiting the Applemen to just 5 field goals and 23.8% shooting as they led, 26-17, at the break. But Musselman quickly regrouped in the third quarter, and the Owls went cold as the Applemen outscored MUS in the third, 23-5, to take a 40-31 lead going into the fourth quarter.

The Owls started the fourth well and ultimately took a brief lead. But with the game tied at 47, Musselmen hit a 3-pointer to regain the lead, and despite an Ataga layup in the final seconds, the Owls could not finish the comeback as Bo Echols's last-second fadeaway jumper went awry, and Kendon Leakes's putback was deemed after the final buzzer. 

With the loss the Owls fall to 9-5 on the season and will next play January 6 at PURE Academy.

#GoOwls