VIDEO: Three-point shootout finals
VIDEO: Slam Dunk Contest Highlights
Barnett defeated Sawyer Williams (Owenton, Ky.) in the championship of the dunk contest by a combined score of 88-85 to bring home the Golden Hammer. Harris defeated women's basketball player Tatum Burstrom (Maryville, Tenn.) 23-17 in a battle-of-the-sexes showdown to take home the Golden Ball.
"We're of course pleased for Andy and Chris to get some hardware," Carson-Newman head men's basketball coach Chuck Benson said. "But we're more thrilled to start basketball practice and show what we're about at Mossy Creek. I'd love for our students, faculty, staff and of course the Jefferson City community to be in attendance when we open the season Nov. 13 against Southern Wesleyan."
Barnett was a late addition to the dunk contest. Initially scheduled for an appearance in the three-point shootout, Barnett filled in for Carson Brooks (Knoxville, Tenn.). He threw down a 48 with his first round dunk before posting a 41 and a 47 to take home the title.
The three-point shootout looked to be Burstrom's. The senior fired in a 25 – the high round of the day – to get to the women's semifinals before checking in with a 19 to best teammate Kailyn Brooks (Lafayette, Tenn.) in the women's finals. However, Harris found the hot hand in the final round to clinch the win.
Harris started off slow. His 13 was the lowest round of the semis to qualify for the men's title match. However, Harris began to heat up, posting a men's final 20 to get past Taylor Hawkins (Madisonville, Tenn.) and into the title matchup where he drilled nine of the first 10 shots he took to build a lead that Burstrom couldn't match.
"We were thrilled to have a chance to showcase our players to the Jefferson City and Carson-Newman families," head women's basketball coach Mike Mincey said. "We hope tonight's action gets them excited for our upcoming season. And we hope to see them back here when we open our home schedule Nov. 21 against Columbus State."
The Cougars are ranked number seven in the WBCA Preseason Coaches Poll.
All Carson-Newman men's and women's basketball games will be broadcast on the Eagle Sports Network on Mountain Country 106.3 (WPFT-FM, Sevierville) and online at cneagles.com/live.
1014 Mossy Creek Madness
