SHELBYVILLE, Tenn. – The District 9-4A Champions, Shelbyville Central Golden Eagles (14-15, 7-3), saw their 2024-25 season come to an abrupt end in the Region 5-4A Quarterfinal against the visiting Nolensville Knights (18-14, 5-9) from District 10 on Saturday night, 62-30. 

Every team from District 9-4A lost by at least 18 points, but perhaps the most shocking result was the one inside of Rick Insell Gymnasium. Nolensville, who entered the District 10-4A Tournament as the 7-seed, stunned 2-seed Brentwood on their home floor, 52-47, to clinch a spot in the region tournament. 

Shelbyville, coming off the incredible high of winning the District 9-4A Tournament earlier in the week on Tuesday against Lincoln County, just could not get any offense going against the visiting Knights.

Chris Johnson set the tone early and often for Nolensville, scoring eight of his game-high 16 points in the first quarter to spark the Knights to a 17-2 lead after the opening period. Malek Johnson scored the only bucket for Shelbyville. 

In the second quarter, the Nolensville defense kept up their intensity, allowing their offense to outscore Shelbyville, 12-9, to take a 29-11 lead into the halftime locker room. Idris Grey connected on a three-pointer for the Golden Eagles while Tommie Cannon led the way with four points, but Tae’Shawn Shelton and Jevon Lee were held to a combined two points in the first half, both coming from Lee in the second period. 

Coming out for the second half, Nolensville picked up where they left off in the first half, outscoring Shelbyville, 14-10, to take a 43-21 lead going into the final frame. Kyson Barney scored six of his 13 points for Nolensville in the third while Johnson scored six as well. Eight of the 12 points combined all came from the free throw line. The Knights shot 85% (17-20) from the charity stripe while the Golden Eagles ended the game shooting just three total free throws – all coming in the fourth quarter – while making just one. As the frustration spilled over on the Shelbyville bench, a sideline warning was given to the Golden Eagles halfway through the third quarter.   

Shelton connected on a pair of threes for the hosts before scoring two more points in the final period of play, ending with a team-high eight points. 

In the fourth quarter, Nolensville emptied their bench early and often, still managing to outscore Shelbyville, 19-9, in the period as eight different Knights got on the scoresheet. 

Nolensville improves to 18-14 and advances to take on Independence in Coffee County with tip-off scheduled for 6:00 p.m. on Tuesday night. 

Shelbyville Central’s season comes to a close at 14-15. The Golden Eagles will enter the 2025-26 campaign as the reigning District 9-AAAA Champions entering Shane Young’s third season in charge.