Patriots claim 3rd place at Metro Tournament

Homewood rallied from a semifinal defeat in the Metro Tournament.

The Patriots knocked off a scrappy Woodlawn team, 51-44, in the third place game on Saturday night to finish the tournament with a 2-1 record.

Woodlawn was without top players Javien Williams and Chris Coleman due to a violation of team rules, but the Colonels started strong, leading 14-11 after the first quarter.

"Sometimes it's harder to play against a team when your kids are up and they kind of go, 'Whoa, they're not bringing their (best players),'" Homewood coach Tim Shepler said.

Homewood settled down after the opening period, holding Woodlawn to just six points in the second quarter and held a 27-20 edge at the half.

The game was tight in the third and fourth quarters, as Woodlawn refused to yield. The Colonels were forced to elevate some junior varsity players for the game, including D.J. Goodman, who scored 14 points.

"Their kids rallied and had a couple step in and make shots," Shepler said.

Austin Patterson led the way with 13 points, five rebounds, and four assists for Homewood. He was followed closely by Peyton Brown, who knocked down four three-pointers for his 12 points. Brown also pulled down a team-high nine rebounds. Center Trey Jemison grabbed six boards and scored seven.

Elijah Hill led Woodlawn with 16 points.

Despite being in the championship game of the tournament the previous seven seasons, the Patriots came back to win against the Colonels after an opening round win over Bibb County and a loss to Huffman. 

"Our kids competed hard," Shepler said. "It's tough to come back on that last day. We could've easily not shown up, but we showed up and competed and found a way to win."

The Metro Tournament always serves as a springboard into area play, which begins Friday for Homewood, as they will face Briarwood Christian.

"That's why we schedule it when we do. Now you're supposed to be hitting your stride," Shepler said.