Bulldogs keeping blinders on through postseason
One of them? Stay focused on the task at hand.
On Friday night, Feb. 20, the Bulldogs did exactly that by thumping Hardin Valley 83-38 in the District 4-4A semifinals. In the process, Bearden played its way into a regional quarterfinal host spot for the third straight season.
The win also slid the Bulldogs into the District 4-4A championship game against Farragut, their third meeting this season, on Tuesday night, Feb. 24, at McMinn County High School.
This matchup marked the schools’ first district title meeting since 2022, as FHS won the last battle 73-62 at Heritage High School four years ago.
BHS looked for a different result this time, as they also sought vengeance for a 63-62 loss to Maryville in this game last season.
Since the game took place after press time, results will be available online and via social media. But before that game took place, Parrott delved into his team’s Friday night win and detailed what it’s been like to coach a team that sat at 31-1 entering Tuesday night’s tilt.
“I’m never a big picture person,” Parrott said. “The devil is in the details, and success and failure can hinge on those things. Coaching a team that’s 31-1 is as challenging as a team that isn’t doing well, because they think they’re good. But as you progress into the postseason, your good has to be even better.”
Looking at the box score against the Hawks, it is safe to say the Bulldogs turned things up a notch.
Carson Asbaty went for a career-high 31 points, leading a Bearden team that played without one starter in Sean Capshaw — who rolled his ankle against Cleveland.
Brendan Murphy added 15 points for the Dawgs while Porter Dickson totaled 10 points.
Altogether, their output spoke to the widespread scoring threat that is present across the roster.
“It’s good to always have depth, but what’s even more encouraging is when you have guys that can know they can score and don’t have to carry a team to be successful either,” Parrott said. “Our guys give way to one another, and that makes us harder to defend. They share the wealth and spread the ball, and that’s hard to cover.”
On Asbaty, Parrott added the senior was “asserting his physical presence.”
“We have big strong guards, and his strength and ability to finish through contact really helped him impose his will,” Parrott said. “That’s been a hallmark of him because he’s a smart kid with a good basketball I.Q. that shows up.”
With Tuesday’s championship behind them, the Bulldogs will shift their focus to the region tournament.
As they do, they will keep using the same “blinders” approach that has gotten them this far.
“We’re short term,” Parrott said. “Our whole message was earning a first-round home region quarterfinal game, and we did that. I am proud of them for doing what they needed to do, especially without a starter.”
