Boys Basketball: Cougars Pull Away in Second Half, Defeat Kenwood 63–45 in District Tournament Opener
Dickson, TN — In front of one of the largest crowds of the season inside the “Cougars Den,” the Dickson County Cougars opened the TSSAA District 14-AAAA Tournament Wednesday night with a convincing 63–45 win over the Kenwood Knights.
With a packed home gym and the postseason on the line, the Cougars leaned on defense, composure, and a big second half to secure the victory heard locally on 101.5 FM with George Holloway and Rodney O. Parker on the call.
Tight First Half
Dickson County came out focused early, building a 15–12 lead after the first quarter. The second quarter remained evenly matched, with both teams scoring 13 points.
At halftime, the Cougars held a narrow 28–25 advantage.
Evan Pevahouse led the offense in the opening half with 11 points, while Wells Swafford and Peyton Collins each added six. Alex Potter chipped in five.
George Holloway praised the Cougars’ discipline at halftime during the radio broadcast:
“Dickson County did a good job of keeping emotions under control. Kenwood is more athletic, but Dickson County played great defense in the first half,” Holloway said. “They moved the ball well — they just need the shots to fall in the second half.”
Kenwood notably remained on the court during halftime, opting to shoot free throws rather than returning to the locker room.
Technical Sparks Momentum
Before the second half officially began, a technical foul was assessed to Kenwood’s Christian Taylor for removing his jersey and undershirt while on the floor. Pevahouse converted both free throws, pushing the Cougars’ lead to 30–25 before the second half even began.
Dickson County never looked back.
The Cougars exploded in the third quarter, outscoring the Knights 19–10 to take a commanding 47–35 lead. Gavin Franklin provided a spark with seven points during the period.
Fourth Quarter Control
Emotions boiled over midway through the fourth quarter when Kenwood was assessed back-to-back technical fouls — one on their bench and another on their head coach for arguing with officials.
From there, Dickson County cruised to the finish.
After the game, radio announcer Rodney O. Parker credited the offensive leaders but pointed to a key momentum shift.
“Sharp shooting from Pevahouse and Collins helped lead the Cougars to victory tonight,” Parker said. “But Swafford’s play in the third quarter was the turning point — that’s why he’s our Player of the Game.”
Final Stats
Dickson County Scoring
Evan Pevahouse — 21
Peyton Collins — 16
Wells Swafford — 8
Gavin Franklin — 7
Alex Potter — 5
Luke Roth — 4
Charlie Roberts — 2
Final Score: Dickson County 63, Kenwood 45
What’s Next?
The Cougars advance to the District 14-AAAA semifinals Friday, Feb. 20 at 6 p.m. at West Creek High School in Clarksville against the Henry County Patriots.