In the world of District 8-AA basketball, a victory over the Livingston Academy Wildcats is no small feat. Winning two games, as the DeKalb County Tigers did this season, is a great accomplishment.
 So when the Tigers found themselves pitted against the Wildcats for the District 8-AA Tournament Championship game on Feb. 19, DeKalb knew the third contest between the two teams would be a tough one, and indeed it was for the Tigers as the Wildcats jumped on DeKalb early and coasted to a 57-41 victory.
In front of a huge crowd at Cookeville High School, the Wildcats built momentum from the tip-off as they went on a 8-0 run and led 14-8 at the end of the first period.
The Tigers clawed their way back into the game, but the Wildcats led 16-15. Livingston’s Brock McCoin hit a three-pointer to ignite the crowd, and a Livingston run  saw the Wildcats extend their lead to 15 points with the score 30-15 at the halftime break.
During the third period, the Tigers’ offense made up some ground, outscoring the Wildcats 16-11. Sonni Fullilove scored nine points, but the Tigers still trailed 41-31 at the end of the third period.
DeKalb’s offense once again went cold in the final period, scoring just 10 points. However, the Wildcats’ offense fed off the crowd’s excitement, scoring 16 to take home the 53-41 win and the championship trophy.
Sonni Fullilove led DeKalb in scoring with 14 points. Braxton Atnip had 11 points as Lucas Phillips posted seven. Stephen Howell, Zach Vincent and Justin Bone each recorded three points for the Tigers.
Livingston’s Brock McCoin led all scorers with 20 points. DeKalb’s Sonni Fullilove, Braxton Atnip and Lucas Phillips were named to the District 8-AA All-Tournament Team.