The Adair County Indians’ run in the 2A State Tournament came to an end with a first-round loss to Bell County. The Bobcats started the first quarter playing hard and fast and gained an early lead that the Indians could not close in on.
Bell County had a 15-point advantage in the opening quarter. Adair County struggled to find its rhythm offensively, scoring just six points in the first eight minutes. The Indians showed improvement in the second quarter, putting up 14 points, but Bell County added 16 of its own to extend the lead. At halftime, the Bobcats were in front 37-20.
Adair County returned to the floor with hopes of closing the gap, but Bell County continued to hit well and outrebound the Indians. The Bobcats scored 18 points in the third quarter, while the Indians managed 10. Adair outscored Bell County 16-15 in the final period, but the deficit was too large to overcome as Bell County claimed a 70-46 victory to advance to the semifinals.
Matthew MeJean led Adair County with eight points. Tylin George added seven, while John Shehan and Samuel Feese each finished with six. Despite Dawson Gilbert, Landon Blakey and George averaging close to 20 points per game during the season, shots were not falling for them against Bell County.
Bell County led the boards, out-rebounding Adair County 39-22. The Indians shot 34% from the field and 35% from 3-point range, while Bell County connected on 52% of its field-goal attempts and 47% from beyond the arc.
“That’s what we talked about before, was almost make it like a game of 10, who could get to 10 first. Obviously, they did,” said Adair County coach Deron Breeze. “We’ve had a good schedule, a competitive schedule for us, but we ain’t played any great teams.”
“Every game we watched on film, they beat people 40 and 50 points. You know they do a real good job at backdooring then getting their best players the ball where they need it,” he said.
Breeze said he knew the challenge would be significant, but reaching the 2A tournament was an milestone for the program, even with a difficult draw in Bell County.
Blakey was named to the 2026 All-Tournament Team. He was presented a plaque immediately following the game.
With the tournament behind them, the Indians now turn their attention forward. The focus shifts to continued improvement, with the next major goal set on winning the district tournament and building momentum for the future.
By Amy Pike
amy@adairvoice.com
