STAR CORRESPONDENT To say that Coach Lucas Honeycutt’s Cyclone team slept well Tuesday night would be spot-on after opening their 2024-25 season with not one but two games to tip off a new campaign. After defeating Volunteer 68-64 Tuesday afternoon, the Cyclones returned for a nightcap against the Fighting Cocks of Cocke County, winning in nail-biting fashion as a final last-second shot by Cocke County fell short, resulting in a 57-55 victory for the Cyclones. In a game that was close throughout, the Cyclones couldn’t build much of a lead against the Fighting Cocks.
The first half ended in a 26-26 tie, setting up a second-half battle. Andrew Barnett set the tone for the Cyclones in the first half as the senior sharpshooter sank two treys and added a two-pointer for eight points in the opening 16 minutes. Nathan Bailey and Justin Whitehead each added two three-pointers.
Will Sutton and Waylon Fox paced Cocke County with six points apiece, keeping the game even at halftime. The third period proved pivotal for the Cyclones, who managed to eke out a three-point lead with a 16-13 advantage in the quarter. Those three points proved crucial, as a final attempt by Cocke County to tie the game rimmed out, sealing the victory for Elizabethton.
Bailey led the Cyclones in scoring with 17 points, six rebounds, and two blocks. Barnett added 11 points, three assists, three rebounds, and a steal. Zach Wallin also finished in double figures with 10 points and three assists, while Justius .