Blue Devils defeat top seed Oneida 62-59 to advance to title game

Jellico Blue Devil 5 Jacob Bowlin was five for five on free throws and tallied 15 points in the win over Oneida.

HARRIMAN, TN (WLAF)- Ten days and 30 points later, Jellico had its rematch with Oneida, and the Blue Devils made the most of it. On Friday night on Randy Nesbit Court, Jellico faced the top seeded Indians for a chance to advance to the District 3-A championship game and secure home court to start the region tournament.

After two losses to Oneida in the regular season, including 82-52 on Feb. 10, Jellico, the 4th seed, won when it mattered most; in the semi-finals of the district tourney. The Blue Devils defeated Oneida 62 to 59.

“I’m really proud of our kids effort against Oneida,” said JHS Head Coach Mike Reynolds.

Jellico started hot and held off Oneida’s strong fourth quarter effort to claim its 16th win of the season. The Devils outscored Oneida 17 to six in the first quarter and then 21 to 18 in the second to lead 38 to 24 at intermission. Trey Vann poured through 17 first half points on his way to a 29 point night.

There was a lot of blue on hand to cheer on the Blue Devils on Friday night.

Oneida put up 12 third quarter points to Jellico’s 10 as the Blue Devils took a 48-36 lead into the final quarter. The Indians chalked up 23 points while JHS posted 14, and Jellico held off Oneida for the 62-59 victory.

Jacob Bowlin fired through 15 points for Jellico as Seth Brandenburg and Macay Johnson scored five points each. Four points came from Gavin Dabney. Scoring two points a piece were Dakota Marlow and Brayden Teague.

The tables are turned for Jellico in the championship game set for 8pm Tuesday on Roane State’s Nesbit Court. As Oneida won both regular season contests with Jellico, Jellico swept Oliver Springs. The Devils won 79-66 at home and squeaked out a 58-55 victory at Oliver Springs.

“We look forward to the opportunity to compete for a championship on Tuesday against Oliver Springs,” said Coach Reynolds. (WLAF NEWS PUBLISHED-02/23/2026-6AM)

Related