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Carroll tops Farmers in Class 3A title gameBriana Arrington , News Room
03-14-2013
MONROE — In the Class 3A basketball state finals last Thursday night here, the Farmerville Farmers dominated Carroll High for the first three and a half quarters. In the last four
minutes, Carroll turned everything around, beating the Farmers 68-64.
“I’m not sure what happened,” said head coach Johnny Simmons. “I think we lost our momentum.”
In the first quarter the Farmers were up 15-8. By half time, they were dominating with an 11-point lead.
But by end of the third quarter, Carroll started to close the gap and was only behind by three.
“Them being the team they are with the heart and character they have, they just wouldn’t quit,” Simmons said.
With 3:18 left in the fourth, Carroll tied the Farmers 56-56. Several timeouts were called, turnovers were made and foul shots were missed.
“The biggest issue was not being tough enough down the stretch defensively,” Simmons said.
Although the outcome was disappointing for the Farmers, coaches, fans and players alike would agree they are not disappointed.
“When you look at the big picture, we had a great run,” Simmons said. “These guys exceeded all my expectations.”
Former FHS basketball player and Union Voters League president Fred Carr said, “This was only our second year in Class 3A and we made it to the finals. If you think about that — we did great.”
Not only did the Farmers (23-7) exceed everyone’s expectations, Simmons said he knows his team learned a valuable lesson from the experience.
“Even in defeat, I’m still happy because I know that they will carry what they learned into their future,” Simmons said.
Not only was Simmons impressed with the way his team handled themselves but said he also appreciated the turnout at the championship. The stadium was filled to capacity with some 8,900 people.
“I think that says a lot about our district and our fans,’’ Simmons said.
Simmons said in the next few weeks he plans on beginning the process of exit meetings with his senior players to see what their plans are after high school.
“So we’ll begin looking at where they are not only athletically but academically as well,’’ Simmons said.
Simmons said he is sure that guard Xairius Larry, forward Patrick Smith, and guard Dontario McNeal will end up playing college ball.
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