By JOSH FRYE
News Sportswriter
J.U. Blacksher’s Bulldogs captured the Monroe County Thanksgiving Classic Tournament championship by defeating J.F. Shields (54-49) and Monroe County (34-31) during the two-day tournament played last Monday and Tuesday, November 25 and 26.
K.D. Rabb led the Bulldogs with 29 points against the Panthers in JUB’s tourney opener. Rabb hit two three-point shots and recorded a steal. J.T. Tucker, who also recorded two steals, a blocked shot and dished out four assists, and Josh Peavy complemented Rabb’s performance with seven points each.
Bubba Nettles scored five points, while Dorien Quarles and Deon Hill added three each.
In the tournament final, the Bulldogs defeated Monroe County’s Tigers to claim the championship.
The duo of Tucker and Peavy led the Bulldogs in scoring with eight points each.
In addition to leading the team in scoring, Tucker added three steals and pulled down five rebounds. Peavy had three rebounds and was 2-for-2 from the free throw line.
Nettles put seven points on the board and came up with two steals, while Rabb added six points and had three steals and a blocked shot. Hill had three points, and Jackson Reid added two.
With the tournament wins, the Bulldogs now have a 6-1 record.
“Overall, I was pleased with the guys’ performance,” JUB head coach Wes Sims said. “We played very well defensively, but we had way too many turnovers. We are going to be working on issues such as that during the course of the season.”
JUB will host Northview (Fla.) on Monday, December 9.