Caldwell County was in line for a major upset Saturday night in its own West Kentucky Hoops Classic.
Shades Valley from Birmingham, Alabama, was highly favored in the matchup, but the Tigers found themselves with a 44-43 advantage late in the contest.
Jaydarius Wilson scored inside on a pass from Collin Whittington and drew a foul. He completed the three-point trip with 2:43 remaining to push Caldwell in front by a point.
The Mounties (9-5) got the lead back at 46-44, but Caldwell tied things on a jumper by Jaydarius Wilson with just over a minute to play.
However, Shades Valley held the ball for the final shot. Junior guard Jeremy Chatman made it pay off when he knocked down a heavily-contested 3-pointer from straight away just ahead of the final buzzer.
Chatman finished with 22 points and Shades Valley got out of town with a 49-46 victory and a 2-0 worksheet in the 2024 Hoops Classic.
Chatman was 5 of 13 from long range, but seemed to come up with a key 3 every time Caldwell made a move.
Meanwhile, Wilson had 22 points and six rebounds for Caldwell. He was 9 of 10 from the floor and made all four of his free throw attempts to put the Tigers in position to try to spring the upset.
The contest was tight almost all the way.
Caldwell held a five-point lead early, but a 14-2 run helped Shades Valley build its biggest margin at 22-14 early in the second period.
The Tigers got back to within one point just before halftime,. However, Chatman buried a 3 from the wing with 6 seconds left to send the Mounties to the break with a 28-24 edge.
Shades Valley led most of the second half before Caldwell slipped ahead late.
Israel May added 15 points and six rebounds for the Mounties.
Whittington had 13 points and five assists for the Tigers.
Caldwell will play at home again next Friday when it hosts Dawson Springs for a 7th District girls and boys doubleheader.
Shades Valley 19 9 14 7 — 49
Caldwell County 14 10 14 8 — 46
Shades Valley (9-5)—Chatman 22, May 15, Lambert 6, Taylor 3, Kyle 2, Cox 1.
Caldwell County (6-5)—J. Wilson 22, Whittington 13, Aikins 6, Parker 3, Rowland 2.
