By Kevin Eckleberry

kevin.eckleberry@lagrangenews.com

CARROLLTON – It was a loss, but Troup head coach Paul Brewer was still extremely encouraged after watching the way his players performed on Monday in the final game of a holiday tournament in Carrollton.

Facing a strong Marietta team that plays in the state’s highest classification, Troup hung tough the whole way and lost 53-51.

Troup finished the tournament with a 1-2 record, and it is off until Dec. 29 when it faces Mount Pisgah in Heard County.

“We played probably the best game we’ve played since I’ve been around,” Brewer said of the Marietta game. “As far as leadership and the way we handled the game, we have really grown up in the last few days. So we’re kind of excited to get a couple of days off and then get back at it.”

Following a tough loss to rival Callaway on Thursday, Troup lost to Lithia Springs 58-29 on Friday in the first of three tournament games in Carrollton.

Troup returned to Carrollton on Saturday and beat Banneker 66-56, and it followed that up with Monday’s close loss to Marietta.

“We didn’t show up Friday night,” Brewer said. “We kind of went through the motions and got pounded. I think we had some soul-searching that got done overnight. We came back and beat Banneker Saturday and then there wasn’t a doubt we played our best game. We had the looks to go ahead and win it. We didn’t make the shots at the right time, but as far as our kids being coachable and executing what we’re asking them, they’re really taking a step in the right direction.”

Jarrious Jefferson led Troup with 19 points, Montez Crowe scored 15 points, and Kobe Hudson added 10.

Brewer said Quavo McFarland provided a lift throughout the tournament by reaching double digits in 3-pointers made.

“That really gave us a lift Saturday,” Brewer said. “I want to say he hit six Saturday. If we’re finding another scorer, that’s big. That’s always the goal to find somebody that can make a basket.”

Also on Monday, the Troup Lady Tigers lost to Pebblebrook 51-33.

Akhya Mitchell led Troup with 10 points, and Amber Gilbert added eight points.

Troup finished with a 1-2 tournament record.