CITIZEN STAFF REPORT

INEZ — Charlotte McCoy and Jesse Wellman emerged as champions in this year’s Mountain Citizen NCAA Tournament bracket challenge.

Charlotte McCoy claimed the men’s bracket title with 140 points, narrowly edging Debbie McCoy, who finished with 138. Tawny Smith followed with 134, while Allen Daniels (127), Dana McCoy (126), and Bryson Dials (126) rounded out a tightly contested top tier.

Brittni McCoy finished with 125 points, followed by Shane Marcum (114) and Thomas Thornsberry (114). Roy Bogar posted 108 points, Elaine Osborne added 104, and Kati McCoy recorded 101. Jesse Wellman and Sarah McCoy each finished with 86 points.

On the women’s side, Jesse Wellman captured first place with an impressive 164 points. Brittni McCoy finished close behind with 161, while Elaine Osborne secured third with 154.

Dana McCoy and Sarah McCoy each tallied 148 points, followed by Tawny Smith with 141 and Charlotte McCoy with 140. Tom Thornsberry scored 139, while Kati McCoy added 118. Debbie McCoy finished with 113, Allen Daniels with 110, and Shane Marcum with 108.

This year’s challenge used a Fibonacci-based scoring system, awarding two points for correct first-round picks, three for the second round, five for the Sweet 16, eight for the Final Four, 13 for the championship game participants, and 21 points for correctly picking the national champion. The format rewarded participants who accurately predicted deeper tournament outcomes, creating dramatic swings in the standings as the tournament progressed.

The Mountain Citizen would like to thank all who took part. We appreciate the enthusiasm and look forward to doing it again next year.

Winners will be contacted to receive their $100 Visa gift card.