Fueled by the love for his team and their precious time together, Anthony Bonner delivered one of the most memorable performances in Red Bank High School boys' basketball history.
The senior star propelled the Lions to the TSSAA Class 3A state tournament next week in Murfreesboro with a 29-point performance in Monday's 56-49 comeback home sectional victory over Lawrence County.
Also Monday in the sectional round, Chattanooga Prep advanced in Class A with a 66-53 win over Pickett County. The remaining teams in the Chattanooga area, Brainerd, Tyner, Walker Valley and Bradley Central, were eliminated.
With 3:02 remaining in regulation, Bonner gave Red Bank (28-7) the lead for good as he took a quick pass from senior Kendrick Lloyd in the right corner and kissed his shot off the glass for a 50-48 lead.
Bonner continued his takeover as he escaped a double-team at the top left side of the free throw line 30 seconds later as he dribbled around the pressure to rise and finish over another defender in middle of the lane to take a four-point lead.
With the home crowd's chants booming throughout the gym, Bonner also rose for a pair of emphatic blocks in the final two minutes of the fourth quarter in a game that was sealed when Kamarion Johnson stole a pass and sent the ball ahead to Kendrick Lloyd for a tough finish on a driving layup.
"We didn't want this season to end," said the 6-foot-3 Bonner, who has scored at least 20 points in 25 of the Lions' 35 games this season. "I love my team and wanted to spend more time with them. Being together is what inspired me.
"God has helped us out on this journey, which is one that I am so thankful to experience with this group. Coach (Nick) Fike always told us if we put in the work, the rewards and success will come. This is a big accomplishment for us and I think we can win a state championship together. We can compete with anybody."
Lawrence County (25-7) led the game 17-8 after a hot start in the first quarter, but saw its lead dwindle to 28-24 as Red Bank's Drayden Collier hit a confidence-boosting left corner 3-pointer off an assist from Bonner to end the half.
Lloyd provided another jolt to a rocking Lions' den as he flew down the right baseline for a driving layup and then soon after scored off a steal by Jaylen Rice and assist from Bonner for a 34-32 lead in the third quarter. A steal by Bonner led to an old-school 3-point play to tie the game at 37-all, while Landon Crutcher's putback gave Red Bank a 41-37 lead late in the third.
Red Bank's Malik Rizer opened the fourth quarter with a layup and assisted on a 3-pointer by Johnson to go ahead 46-42 with 5:50 left to play. Bonner would go on to score the next four baskets to seal his team's berth into next week's state tournament.
"This is the moment we've all dreamed of and worked for," said Lions head coach Fike after getting to cut down the final pieces of the net with the gymnasium erupting in joyful cheers. "To see the community come out in droves like this was huge.
"These guys love being around each other. In this sport, where the season is long, you have to enjoy each other's company if you really want to find success. This group truly does and has never wavered this whole season. These guys are connected and love one another."
Red Bank will now face Creek Wood (22-8) in the Class 3A state quarterfinals next Thursday at 5 eastern at Middle Tennessee State University's Murphy Center. This will be the Lions' fifth state tournament appearance and first since 2009. They also made it in 2008, 2001 and 1961.
"Since the beginning of the year, our goal was to get to the state tournament," Red Bank senior Johnson said. "Our hard work is paying off. This is a special group and I think we can go all the way and bring a gold ball back to Red Bank and make history."
Chattanooga Prep 66, Pickett County 53 (Class A sectional): Sophomore star Derrick Roberson scored 11 of his game-high 23 points in a 28-point fourth quarter for the Sentinels. The third-year program will make its second consecutive state tournament appearance. Chatt Prep (25-7) will face Union City (29-5) in the quarterfinals next Wednesday at 5 ET at MTSU.
Gordonsville 59, South Pittsburg 45 (Class A sectional): A 22-win season for the Pirates came to a close on the road.
Austin-East 72, Brainerd 65 (Class AA sectional): The Panthers fell at home and closed a 16-win season in which they won their third straight region championship.
Alcoa 89, Tyner 53 (Class AA sectional): A 24-win season for the Rams came to a close on the road to the defending Class 2A state champions.
LaVergne 66, Walker Valley 61 (Class AAAA sectional): A 22-win season for the Mustangs came to a tough close at home.
Cookeville 69, Bradley Central 60 (Class AAAA sectional): The Bears finished the season with 22 wins.
Contact Patrick MacCoon at pmaccoon@timesfreepress.com.