‘Canes Look for Win this Week
The Monticello High School varsity basketball squads look to rebound from losses to Greene County last weekend with 4-AA region play beginning Tuesday, Dec. 10 at Northeast Macon.
The Lady Canes, coached by Dionka Davis-Jackson, are currently 1-2 following a 54-46 defeat to Greene, 35-27 victory over GMC, and a season opener 45-42 loss to Jackson.
The varsity squad includes four seniors Janee Chapman, Tiera Whitlock, Akeili Ross, Caitlin Leverette; four juniors, Morgan Stokes, Maya Stokes, Miata Dudley, Kemari Wilson; three sophomores Terisha Adams, Sheridan Tripp, Tasha Lavaughn; and two freshmen Khylia Stewart and Jameecia Thurman.
The Lady Canes began a five game away stretch the day following Thanksgiving at GMC. Chapman led scoring with 19 points; Tripp, 5; Maya Stokes and Ross, 4 each; Whitlock, 2; and Morgan Stokes, 1.
“It was our first game on the road. However, the girls played hard and played great defense throughout the game which allowed us to win the game,” said Coach Jackson.
Saturday’s loss to Greene revealed some early weak links in the chain with poor shooting and foul troubles.
“Girls played hard, shot poorly from the floor and free throw line, and we had key players in foul trouble,” said the coach.
“However, we had an opportunity to win. We did not make good decisions in the last few minutes of the game. It was a great experience for the team to play such a physical team on the road. It showed us areas we need to improve in order for us to become a better team.”
Chapman again led scoring with 23 points; Morgan Stokes added 11; Whitlock, 10; Maya Stokes, 2; and Tripp, 1.
After the season opener loss Coach Jackson commented that once the squad was in game shape there would be a lot of things getting better.
“We are young, but I see a lot of positive things to build on this season.”
Lady Cane junior varsity players include India Pennamon, Brooklyn Pennamon, Destiny Graves, and Clarissa Hawkins.
The varsity Canes are 2-1 following weekend activity on the road.
“We defeated GMC by a score of 68-64. We took an early 13-0 lead but GMC was able to fight back and cut the lead down to 2 in the second half,” said Coach Allen Atkins.
Scoring was led by Qua Thurmond with 14 points; Quinton Standifer and Avery Davis each had 12; Jayland Sands, 9; and Jordan Stone, 8.
The Canes lost 67-53 to Greene despite a slight lead at halftime.
“We received our first loss of the season to Greene County. We took a one point lead going into halftime, but could not stop their explosion in the third.”
Leading scorers were Stone with 19 points and Thurmond with 10.
Following their first region competition at Northeast Macon on Tuesday with varsity tip-off at 6 p.m., the team will travel to another region foe, Taylor, on Friday, Dec. 13 before returning home against Jones County on Saturday, Dec. 14.