Backcourt duo of Lewis, Montgomery helps Independence basketball continue hot streak

“Whoever gets the ball just goes,” Montgomery said.

Lewis and Montgomery put the Eagles’ backcourt strength on full display in a 63-40 win at Franklin on Friday night. Montgomery led all scorers with 20 points, and Lewis finished right behind him with 19.

The two insist they’ve shared a special connection since their middle school days.

“Every time he gets the ball, I just run and find an open spot,” said Montgomery, a junior. “I know he’ll find me. I love playing with him.”

Lewis did most of the heavy lifting in the first half against Franklin, scoring 11 points to help Independence maintain a 30-27 advantage at the break. Montgomery and the rest of the Eagles caught fire in the second half – which included a 22-1 run in the third quarter – to turn their slim margin into a blowout victory.

“I think our kids played hard and maybe focused on some details here and there,” Independence coach Mark Wilkins said. “It wasn’t any magical coaching adjustment. Our kids just came out and kept believing in what we were doing, and we got some big (defensive) stops.”

Independence (20-3) has leaned on its top guards for six straight wins this month.

Montgomery scored nearly 25 points per game and shot 42% from the 3-point line through the Eagles’ first 20 contests, while Lewis averaged 10.7 points, 5.3 rebounds and 4 assists during the same span.

Opposing defenses, Wilkins said, have had a difficult time slowing both players.

“They’re complementary. They both have their strengths that you have to account for,” Wilkins said. “I think Jett is one of the best shooters – if not the best shooter – in the state, and I think Tylan is one of the most athletic guards in the state. We’re so blessed to have both of them. They do so many things for us.”

Alongside Lewis and Montgomery, Matthew Witt (9 points) and Brayden Buck (6) also contributed buckets as the Eagles pulled away from Franklin (15-6), which has dropped four of its last five games.

“It’s like a triple-threat,” said Lewis, a sophomore. “We have a couple shooters and a couple guys who can get to the rack no matter what.”

Independence held Franklin star guard Jack Medalie scoreless. His brother Sam finished with 18 points and Davis Long added 15.

“I think this was the first time we finally showed what our defense is like,” Montgomery said. “Last year at the end of the season we were playing great defense, but at the beginning of this season, we kind of struggled a little bit and didn’t know our identity. I think we’ve found it tonight.”

Independence will need more of the same down the stretch of the regular season. Six of the team’s final seven games are against District 12-4A opponents.

Wilkins believes his burgeoning backcourt stars will be up for that challenge and future ones.

“I think they’re going to continue to add things to their game, and I think they want to continue to get better,” Wilkins said. “That’s exciting as a coach – just to see them grow and see the potential for next year. But we don’t want to think too far ahead.”

BOYS BOX SCORE

Independence (63): Jett Montgomery 20, Tylan Lewis 19, Matthew Witt 9, Brayden Buck 6, Korben Walling 4, Bradley Stewart 3, Josh Owens 2.

Franklin (40): Sam Medalie 18, Davis Long 15, Riley Jordan 3, Cooper Jordan 2, Sam Newborn 2.

Independence girls deliver win on coach’s birthday

Tony Hill celebrated his birthday with a victory as his Independence girls basketball team stifled Franklin 46-27 on Friday night.

The Lady Eagles (10-11) surrendered just seven points in the first half.

“When you hold a Class 4A basketball team in the state of Tennessee under 30 points, that’s a good defensive effort,” Hill said. “I’m proud of our kids… that end of the floor set the tone early.”

Independence sophomore guard Savanna Seay finished with a team-high 12 points. Annie Gibbs (9) and Eden Oates (8) were also key factors in the lopsided win. Amy Elliott led Franklin (3-15) with 13 points.

The Lady Eagles struggled through most of December but have since won seven of their last 10 games.

“We’re getting to the point where each time out we’re getting the same effort, the same focus, the same concentration and hopefully the same result,” Hill said.

GIRLS BOX SCORE

Independence (46): Savanna Seay 12, Annie Gibbs 9, Eden Oates 8, Evy Nichols 7, Aaliyah Fleming 4, Katy McDonald 4, Riley Brooks 2.

Franklin (27): Amy Elliott 13, Lyla Gardner 5, Josie Hammond 4, Emma Powell 2, Liza Kate Thurman 2, Anna Walton Wright 1.