HIGH SCHOOL

Jordan Burchfield comes up big as Blackman boys roll in Region 4-AAA quarterfinals

Cecil Joyce
USA TODAY NETWORK - Tennessee

It's been a long wait for Blackman sophomore guard Jordan Burchfield.

Burchfield's patience paid off during Saturday night's 72-36 Blaze win over Franklin County in the Region 4-AAA quarterfinals at The Inferno.

Blackman's Bryce Williams dunks during the second quarter of Saturday's Region 4-AAA quarterfinal win over Franklin County.

The Central Magnet transfer scored 11 points off the bench to help the Blaze advance to Tuesday's region semifinals, where Blackman will battle Riverdale at 6 p.m. at Siegel High.

"I had great coaches and teammates who kept me ready," said Burchfield, who had to sit out most of the season before becoming eligible during the District 7-AAA finals.

Burchfield averaged double figures for Central Magnet last season and earned Freshman of the Year honors in District 8-AA.

His 3-pointer at the beginning of the second quarter was huge for the Blaze Saturday, turning a 12-7 advantage into an eight-point lead. Blackman rolled from there, outscoring Franklin County 22-8 in the second quarter and 26-8 in the third.

"(Burchfield) had a really good summer and a great fall," said Blackman coach Barry Wortman. "His practice habits earned him the respect and trust of his teammates.He's getting better by the day."

Blackman hit eight 3-pointers in the win and had four players in double figures, led by Trent Gibson's 14 and Brandon Thomas' 13. MTSU signee Donovan Sims chipped in 11, including nine of the team's first 12 points.

Burchfield hopes to be a contributor the rest of of Blackman's quest for a state tournament appearance.

"I trust (Wortman) to determine how much I can contribute," Burchfield said. "I'll help the team whenever I'm needed."

Meanwhile, the third-ranked Blaze keep rolling on.

"We were able to get some rebounds and get in our transition game," Wortman said. "We settled in."

District 7-AAA sweep: It was a sweep for District 7-AAA teams in the region quarterfinals. Oakland defeated Columbia 70-41 in a No. 2 vs. 3 matchup. No. 4 seed Stewarts Creek upended Lawrence County 64-60 to set up a semifinals contest against Oakland Tuesday evening at 7:30 at Siegel High School.

Riverdale rolled past Lincoln County in a No. 3 vs. 2 matchup on the road, 55-37. The Warriors will battle Blackman at 6 p.m. Tuesday in the region semifinals.

The Warriors led 12-6 after one period and 27-17 at halftime as the game was never in doubt.

Coby Grubbs hit four 3-pointers and scored 14 points for Riverdale while Johnathan Matthews added 13 points and 11 rebounds and Brayden Siren 10.

Region semifinal winners lock up sectional berths.

Monday's girls semifinals will have Riverdale battling Lawrence County at 6 p.m. and Stewarts Creek taking on Shelbyville at 7:30 at Siegel High School.

Reach Cecil Joyce at cjoyce@dnj.com or 615-278-5168 and on Twitter @Cecil_Joyce.

Blackman's Trent Gibson goes in for a layup during Saturday's win over Franklin County.
Blackman's Nathan Nelson fires a short jumper during Saturday's Region 4-AAA quarterfinal.