Patriots fall to Hatch for first loss

Linden (5-1) suffered its first loss of the season Thursday as it fell to R.C. Hatch 72-52 in the first round of the Demopolis High School Christmas Tournament.

Linden’s leading scorer Imoras Agee picked up two fouls in the first quarter and played much of the night under threat of disqualification before ultimately getting his fifth foul with more than five minutes left in the game.

With Agee limited, Hatch won every quarter except the second en route to the 20-point victory.

The Patriots took their first lead of the night with 6:29 to play in the third when Agee drained a pair of free throws to put his team up 35-34. From there, Hatch pulled away as Bakauri Jackson hung 22 points to lead all scorers. Ladarius Morrisette had 19 for the Bobcats wile Jessie Goldsby had 11.

Agee led Linden with 11 points and four rebounds. Nicholas Rogers added 10 points and four rebounds while Chris Rogers had eight points and 10 rebounds.

Linden is set to face John Essex Friday at 6 p.m. in the third place game of the tournament. Hatch will take on Demopolis for the tournament title in the back end of the double header.