Athens Takes Shootout Over Candor To Win Chop Oout Hunger Championship

By: Tim Taylor  /  December 31, 2025  /  Photo: Tim Taylor

ATHENS - Four Athens players and three more from Candor scored in double figures as the Wildcats won a 67-65 shootout at the 2025 CHOP Out Hunger Holiday Basketball Tournament here Tuesday.

The Wildcats led early, but would have to rally from a 35-30 halftime deficit to claim the championship.

"This team is coming together," Athens coach Jim Lister said. "They're playing good team basketball. They're fighting. I'm thrilled with the way they play. Honestly, this is the first time I've ever thought they played great. That's what we needed. I think that's the momentum we needed going into the start of the season, so that was a big win for us."

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