That's a Wrap... Wartburg Upset by Oliver Springs in Round 1
It's Feb. 17, 2026 and the Wartburg boys have been on a tear to end the regular season. They won 5 of their last 6 regular season games - with an impressive win against Jellico to end the season. They looked primed to head into the tournament and make some serious noise. As the #3 seed, they drew last place Oliver Springs for their play-in game. They beat Oliver Springs twice during the regular season - but both times it was by a narrow margin... most recently, the game was won in the last 2 seconds by buzzer beater heroics from Scoring King Paxton Quinney. They say it's tough to beat a team three times in a row - but I thought we had their number. Whoever wins the play-in games gets at least 3 more games - whoever loses has to see their season come to a close. So could Wartburg pull off the trifecta over Oliver Springs?
The crowd was thick in Dallas Reed Davis Gymnasium for the 7 PM start time. It was so crowded - it felt like the heat was on as the boys took the floor. The game got under way, and it was a very emotionally charged contest from the word "Go!" Reid Quinney made the leap into the starting lineup in this one - but the rotation was fast and furious to keep fresh legs in. The refs took a "let 'em play" approach by not calling a lot - and the Bobcats took full advantage. We had solid output from leading scorers Paxton Quinney and Ian Robinson - but we got behind early and never could reel them in. Ethan Jones went to the line for almost 20 free throw attempts - and resident bad boy Jackson Jett seemed to get under the skin of the Bulldogs. While they struggled to win any games during the regular season - Oliver Springs may be getting hot at the right time as they stunned the Bulldogs with a 64-56 win.
I'm not ready for it to be over. I feel like tomorrow should have a practice or a walk through... It all feels so abruptly and suddenly over. This Bulldogs team has the talent to win the region - but an off night tonight costs them the opportunity to play it out. It's just a game - but I'm bummed out. Even with that - some of these guys need to hear it... GREAT JOB THIS SEASON BOYS!
Here are a few takeaways...
The crowd was thick in Dallas Reed Davis Gymnasium for the 7 PM start time. It was so crowded - it felt like the heat was on as the boys took the floor. The game got under way, and it was a very emotionally charged contest from the word "Go!" Reid Quinney made the leap into the starting lineup in this one - but the rotation was fast and furious to keep fresh legs in. The refs took a "let 'em play" approach by not calling a lot - and the Bobcats took full advantage. We had solid output from leading scorers Paxton Quinney and Ian Robinson - but we got behind early and never could reel them in. Ethan Jones went to the line for almost 20 free throw attempts - and resident bad boy Jackson Jett seemed to get under the skin of the Bulldogs. While they struggled to win any games during the regular season - Oliver Springs may be getting hot at the right time as they stunned the Bulldogs with a 64-56 win.
I'm not ready for it to be over. I feel like tomorrow should have a practice or a walk through... It all feels so abruptly and suddenly over. This Bulldogs team has the talent to win the region - but an off night tonight costs them the opportunity to play it out. It's just a game - but I'm bummed out. Even with that - some of these guys need to hear it... GREAT JOB THIS SEASON BOYS!
Here are a few takeaways...
Scoring King
Paxton Quinney had a bang up season this year! The Junior came into the season ready to play - and he was able to put up at least 7 points in every game - with a career high of 42 points against Jellico. He had a monstrous season total of 513 points to go along with sneaky defense and multiple steals and rebounds that, at times, turned the whole course of the game around. Paxton played well against OS tonight leading the team with 21 points. He plays with his whole heart - and puts in hours and hours in the gym on his own to refine his significant skillset. He's an impressive ball player - and an even more impressive young man. Great season Pax .... Come back even stronger next season!
Ian Robinson... Fast and Furious
Celebrating career milestones is fun... and senior Ian Robinson had the opportunity to get his 1,000 point ball this season. He is also the only Bulldog that successfully pulled off a slam dunk - I think he notched at least 5 throughout the season! He is twitchy fast with speed that kills, and he can jump through the roof. Tonight against OS, he played well in his last game scoring 15 - bringing his total to an impressive 375 for the year. Wartburg will miss the deadly lefty who always plays fast... and furious... Great season - great career young man!
Senior Spotlight
From Evan Crouch's solid senior leadership to Johnny Bingham's long distance three pointers... this senior class will be missed. Head Coach Travis Nelson ushered in an era of stability to the basketball program when they were juniors, but they went through a time of transition in their freshman and sophomore years. I hate that their season got cut short tonight - but I am proud of the way they carry themselves on the court.
- To Evan - you are a great leader and brought a solid court presence to every game.
- To Wayne - you jumped in with both feet as a senior - and no player on the team drew as much noise from the student section as you!
- To Johnny - you embody the phrase, "shoot your shot"... your three point jumper will be missed.
- To Jayden - you fought through injury this season and never complained or sought sympathy. Keep grinding toward greatness!
- To Ian - never stop dunking!
- To Evan - you are a great leader and brought a solid court presence to every game.
- To Wayne - you jumped in with both feet as a senior - and no player on the team drew as much noise from the student section as you!
- To Johnny - you embody the phrase, "shoot your shot"... your three point jumper will be missed.
- To Jayden - you fought through injury this season and never complained or sought sympathy. Keep grinding toward greatness!
- To Ian - never stop dunking!
What's Next? Get Ready for Next Year
After a tough loss - you have to evaluate the things that might make you better for next year. I am told that there are two immediate opportunities that may pop up...
1. Head Coach Travis Nelson and newly hired Football Coach Ted "Teddy Ballgame" McKinney have been in discussions about some synergies between their two programs. One opportunity that will immediately present itself is for basketball players to join in on the football workout program. Check the caricature above: Meet Jacob Lasley - new Strength and Conditioning Coach for the WCHS Football Program. He is the son of one of our regular basketball refs... I don't know his name - but I know him as "the one with the big arms". If your season just ended - take the week to grieve... but next Monday - report to Coach Lasley... Monday, Tuesday, Thursday... 3:30-5:30... It's never too soon to start prepping for next year! Let's get bigger, faster, stronger!
2. Another opportunity that is forming are some new AAU basketball teams that will operate out of Wartburg. I am told that there should be a team for current 9th-10th graders... and an additional team for 11th-12th graders. See Travis Nelson or Teddy Ballgame for more information about a spot on one of those teams. The fastest way to get better for next year is to keep hustling and grinding!
1. Head Coach Travis Nelson and newly hired Football Coach Ted "Teddy Ballgame" McKinney have been in discussions about some synergies between their two programs. One opportunity that will immediately present itself is for basketball players to join in on the football workout program. Check the caricature above: Meet Jacob Lasley - new Strength and Conditioning Coach for the WCHS Football Program. He is the son of one of our regular basketball refs... I don't know his name - but I know him as "the one with the big arms". If your season just ended - take the week to grieve... but next Monday - report to Coach Lasley... Monday, Tuesday, Thursday... 3:30-5:30... It's never too soon to start prepping for next year! Let's get bigger, faster, stronger!
2. Another opportunity that is forming are some new AAU basketball teams that will operate out of Wartburg. I am told that there should be a team for current 9th-10th graders... and an additional team for 11th-12th graders. See Travis Nelson or Teddy Ballgame for more information about a spot on one of those teams. The fastest way to get better for next year is to keep hustling and grinding!
The girls play Coalfield this Thursday, Feb. 19,6:30 PM at Roane State Community College. Come out and support these young ladies! They've come so far this year!
Go Dogs!
