Staff Reports

GADSDEN – The Sand Rock Wildcats outscored Gaston 20-12 in the fourth quarter, but fell short by the final of 42-39 in the Class 2A, Area 13 championship on Wednesday evening.

Jonas Browder and Ty Traffanstedt both connected on a pair of 3-pointers and had nine and eight points respectively for the Wildcats (17-13). Traffanstedt also grabbed six rebounds and had a pair of assists. Browder had four boards.

Will Cleere and Wyatt Miller both finished with six points. Cleere also collected five boards. Miller had six rebounds and an assist.

Browder, Traffanstedt and Cleere were all-tournament selections.

Adonis Jones sank five treys and had 15 points to lead Gaston. Mica Merriman managed 13 points, including a 6-of-7 performance from the free-throw line (5-of-6 in the fourth quarter).

Kodie Bogle rang for six points and Devon Green finished with five points for the Bulldogs.

Gaston led 12-7 at the end of the first quarter and held a 22-14 advantage at halftime. The Bulldogs built a 30-19 edge after three quarters.

Both teams advance to sub-regional play on Saturday at 6 p.m. Sand Rock is at Area 16 champion Section while Gaston hosts Pisgah.