Canes Drop Two Games at Home

The rematch between the Jasper County-Monticello High School and Oconee County varsity boys basketball team was much closer than the first contest between the programs but the Hurricanes still fell seven points short.

Jasper County-Monticello dropped a 61-54 contest to the Warriors at home on Saturday after falling by 23 points in a matchup from earlier in the season.

“We played a better game,” said coach Chris Pennamon. “We just didn’t have enough down the stretch to guard all of their shooters. We stayed with them pretty well in the first half and into the third quarter.”

Both teams were missing some players due to COVID-19 concerns.

“We just didn’t execute down the stretch,” Pennamon said. “We had some missed some layups, missed free throws and a turnover or two. You could see the growth from the first meeting. We ran our plays successfully.”

Landon Bonner led the Hurricanes with 21 points while Keon Maddox had a double-double with 13 points and 12 rebounds.

“We couldn’t defend the 3-pointer well enough in second half,” Pennamon said. “Oconee wasn’t making them in the first half but they fell in the second half. They stretched the lead to 11 at one point but we fought back.

We had some chances down the stretch. It was not a game to hang our heads about. Oconee County is a larger school with several quality athletes. To see our improvement from losing by 23 to lose by seven says a lot about our team.”

While disappointed in finishing seven points short, Pennamon said it was a not a region contest.

“Games like this are a chance for us to get better, the coach said. “We got a lot better in this game. Our players saw what a team effort can do.”

The Hurricanes hosted Lincoln County Tuesday and despite a close first half ending up falling 69-41 to the Red Devils. Bonner led Jasper County-Monticello with 31 points.

Lincoln County led 31-21 at halftime and by 13 points after the third quarter.

“It fell apart on us,” Pennamon said of the second half. “We got in foul trouble and had to use some JV players which we fortunately dressed out for the game. Everyone played for us tonight. We just didn’t have enough bodies. When you are in foul trouble you play timid. The game was a good test to see where we are before region really begins on Jan. 2. We still have a lot of work.”

Four trouble hurt the Hurricanes late in the contest. Several key players either fouled out or were competing with four fouls.

“We were trying to find a way to get everyone involved,” Pennamon said. “We were so focused on their height we didn’t concentrate on executing. It was still a good effort. It lets me know about where we area. We battled early but down the stretch we just didn’t have enough.”

Jasper County-Monticello is not scheduled to play again until January 2 although Pennamon said it is possible a game could be added next week.