New Manchester High School hosted the first day of their first ever Holiday Classic basketball tourney on Thursday. The all boys tourney includes eight schools from around the Atlanta area, including the Jaguars.

Teams invited to the tourney included Mays, Sandy Creek, Newnan, Henry County, North Atlanta, Kell, and Hapeville Charter.

On day one Thursday, New Manchester took on Hapeville Charter in an 8:30 p.m. game. Due to the starting time, the game did not finish before deadline for Friday’s paper.

The Jags started slowly in the game but a big third period lead them to a 67-50 victory. New Manchester jumped out to an 18-12 lead in the first period but were outscored 15-14 in the second. A 19-5 run in the third gave the Jags a big lead, which they were able to hold on to.

“We didn’t compete very well in the first half,” said NMHS coach David Cottrell. “We did not play as hard as we could. I challenged them at halftime and they responded, played hard, guarded well, rebounded, and had more intensity.”

Keymont Jenkins showed his leadership on the court, leading the New Manchester offense with 27 points.

“He played a full game, playing all four quarters,” Cottrell said. “His leadership is the reason we won this game.”

Ryan Edwards finished the game with a strong second half, and followed Jenkins with 17 points.

New Manchester took on North Atlanta, who beat Kell in the first round of the tourney, at 8:30 p.m. Friday night in the semi-finals. Information was not available before deadline but will be provided in Sunday’s paper.

OTHER RESULTS

Also on day one, Mays defeated Sandy Creek, and Newnan defeated Henry County. Both winning teams played each other in the semi-finals Friday. Results will be available in Sunday’s paper.