ATWOOD (February 15) — In dramatic fashion, fifth-seed Big Sandy overcame a 68-65 fourth quarter deficit with 1:18 remaining to overtake and defeat first-seed McKenzie 76-74 and advance to the District 13A championship game.

From the opening tip, McKenzie and Big Sandy battled intensely beneath the boards for control. Red Devil Hunter Foust’s seven-point performance helped his team jump to an 11-5 lead at the 3:41 mark of the first period. Rebel Derek Carr responded with key baskets highlighted by a crucial three-pointer with 41 seconds remaining to knot the score at 13-all at the end of the first frame.

Rebel Carr turned up the heat offensively to pace his team with nine points as McKenzie outscored Big Sandy 14-10 to lead 27-21 at the half.

Big Sandy’s James Cuthbertson rallied his team with an impressive 14-point, three three-pointer performance to cut into the Rebel lead. Rebel Shabree Payne responded, driving to the paint to score 11 points. Red Devils Kevin Adams and Chris Cox scored key baskets near the end of the period to knot the score at 50-all at the end of the third period.

The fourth quarter generated an intense struggle as both teams battled for victory. McKenzie, aided by Carr’s free throw conversions, led 68-65 at the 1:56 mark of the final frame. Big Sandy battled back as Jerrod Phifer drilled a two-pointer at the 1:11 to trail the Rebels 70-69. Gathering in a missed shot by McKenzie, Big Sandy raced down court and Adams converted a crucial two-pointer to give the Red Devils an 71-70 lead.

McKenzie pushed the ball across mid-court but failed to convert on a two-point attempt, with Big Sandy seizing the rebound. At the 30-second mark, Red Devil Cox nailed a huge two-pointer to increase the red devil lead to 73-70.

Following a Rebel timeout, Carr was fouled and sank two free throws to narrow the Red Devil lead to 73-72. Red Devil James Cuthbertson was fouled immediately and converted one of two free throw attempts.

McKenzie raced down court and missed the shot attempt as Cox grabbing the rebound and was fouled.

With 19 seconds remaining, Cox stepped to the line and converted two free throws to widen the Red Devil lead to 76-72.

The Rebels in bounded the ball with 10 seconds remaining and attempted a three-pointer that bounced off the rim. Hustling, Payne stole the ball from Red Devil Cox and converted a lay-up as time expired and Red Devil players and fans flooded onto the court to celebrate their hard-fought 76-74 upset victory.

Big Sandy was led offensively by Cox (23), Cuthbertson (18 points, three three-pointers), Hunter Foust (15) and Kevin Adams (14). Also contributing scoring were Phifer (3) and J. Huddleston (3).

McKenzie was led offensively by Carr (28 points, two three-pointers), Payne (20), Hunter Herrin (9), Tyler Holt (9) and Josh Brown (8).

Big Sandy Advanced to face Clarksburg in the championship game.

McKenzie advanced to face West Carroll in the consolation game.

• War Eagles Defeat Rebels in Consolation Game 67-58
• Clarksburg Defeats West Carroll 61-58 for District Championship
• Big Sandy Upsets McKenzie 76-74, Advances to Championship Game