Dawson Warwick of Jefferson Middle School shoots over a Knoxville Christian defender in a fifth-place game in the West Valley Christmas Tournament in Knoxville on Friday, Dec. 30, 2016. (Photo courtesy Jason Nussbaum)

KNOXVILLE—A tough defensive effort propelled the Jefferson Middle School boys basketball team to a fifth-place finish in the West Valley Christmas Tournament.

The Eagles (16-4) closed out the tournament with a 44-23 victory over Knoxville Christian on Friday at West Valley Middle School.

Jefferson had offensive struggles against the overmatched Knights, but that was nothing new for the Eagles, who are regulars at West Knox County holiday tournaments.

“It seemed like there was a lid on the basket today,” Jefferson Coach Jason Nussbaum said. “It’s been that way throughout the whole tournament. We’ve had trouble scoring all week.

“I’m proud of our boys for the way we played defense today. Our defense was good in the tournament.” [Read more…]