Caldwell County got one of its top two scorers back, but lost its other one during Monday’s home game against Christian Fellowship School.
Tripp Branch scored a game-high 27 points as the Tigers turned back the Eagles 77-70.
But Branch went down late in the third quarter with what Caldwell thinks is a high ankle sprain and is likely out for at least the next few games. Branch has scored at least 25 points in the Tigers’ last six contests .
Meanwhile, Jabrion Spikes and his 18 points a game returned to the lineup against CFS following a hip injury. He finished with 12 points in his first full-game effort since Feb. 6.
Caldwell (6-13) started the game with a 16-5 run and led the rest of the way. The Tigers led 23-13 after one quarter and took a 46-30 lead to halftime.
The margin hit 20 points at 52-32 and it looked like the Tigers might cruise.
But Christian Fellowship (16-6) had other plans.
The Eagles ran off 14 straight points to get back in it and trailed just 61-53 entering the final frame.
With Branch out and CFS building momentum, the Tigers lead appeared tenuous.
The Eagles got as close as 63-58 before Caldwell was able to push the margin back out to double figures and hang on for the seven-point triumph.
Demaurius Thompson had all eight of his points in the fourth quarter to help turn away the CFS push.
Spikes had six of his 12 in the final frame as well.
Tate VanHooser produced a double-double for the Tigers with 11 points and a game-high 15 rebounds — 10 of those boards in the first half.
Collin Whittington also had 11 points for Caldwell.
Meanwhile, Branch was 7 of 15 from 3-point range before being forced out of the game with the injury.
Andrew Allen had 21 points to lead Christian Fellowship, which had won six straight games.
The Eagles got 17 from Andrew Dunning, 13 from Luke Grigg and 10 from Isaac Hovekamp.
Caldwell and CFS have met just three times on the basketball court, with the Tigers taking all three.
Caldwell will play at home again Tuesday night, hosting Crittenden County. The Tigers already own two wins over the Rockets this season.
Christian Fellowship 13 17 23 17 — 70
Caldwell County 23 23 15 16 — 77
Christian Fellowship School (16-6)—Andrew Allen 21, Andrew Dunning 17, Luke Grigg 13, Isaac Hovekamp 10, Elijah Grigg 7, Carter Space 2.
Caldwell County (6-13)—Tripp Branch 27, Jabrion Spikes 12, Collin Whittington 11, Tate VanHooser 11, Demaurius Thompson 8, Carter Whittington 6, Dewey Riley 2.
