By AUSTIN FRANKLIN / Special to the Reporter

NORTH SHELBY – Top-seeded Thompson can breathe a short sigh of relief after defeating ninth-seeded Chelsea by a final score of 61-52 in the Shelby County Basketball tournament. Center Michael Freeman led the way for Thompson with 22 points in addition to providing quality defense in the paint that forced Chelsea to survive outside the arch.

Coming out the gate Chelsea was more than happy to utilize the three. Aaron Washington in particular found his long range stroke as he left the half with four threes. Chelsea’s offense played with a steady pace in the first half, confidently setting up screens to get easy open looks.

Chelsea’s methodically paced offense was countered by Thompson’s fast break attack. Anytime Chelsea eked out a lead, Thompson responded with a quick basket before Chelsea could fully set up on defense.

At the half Chelsea’s long range game proved sufficient, putting them in position for the upset with the lead 30-27.

Entering the second half Thompson adjusted defensively and began running a half court press that disrupted any flow Chelsea had moving the ball. The calm pace that allowed Chelsea to take advantage of open looks in the first half was replaced by frantic, hurried passing and low percentage shots.

By the end of the third Chelsea’s lead was a distant memory, and instead of looking for the upset it needed to find a way to get back into the game down by seven.

But the fourth quarter played out much like the third with Thompson’s defense continuing to make life difficult for Chelsea. Thompson’s Freeman provided an emphatic dunk with three minutes left that all but ensured a Thompson victory.

With Chelsea behind them, Thompson will go on to face Montevallo in the semi-finals of the Shelby County basketball tournament.

After the game Coach Davis addressed the shift in defensive intensity in the second half, “We challenged them defensively, we challenged our guys, I mean we hang our hat on getting stops at the half court and we didn’t do that in the first half. Give Chelsea credit for running as well they did and doing a good job, but we didn’t feel that we defended smart enough.

“We talk all the time about how tournament basketball, no matter what tournament it is, is about survive and advance, so we did that,” Davis continued. “We play a good team tomorrow in Montevallo and we’re excited for the challenge.”

Chelsea’s Aaron Washington finished with a game high 28 points.