Hurricane Boys Qualify for State Tournament

The Jasper County-Monticello High School boys basketball team needed a win Tuesday night to continue its season.

The Canes faced Lamar County in the Region 3-AA tournament and it was win or pack up the basketball for another season. In the end, Jasper County-Monticello took a 65-58 victory to not only advance in the region tournament, but to guarantee itself a spot in the upcoming GHSA Class AA state competition.

Coach Chris Pennamon’s team had defeated Lamar County twice in the regular season but both contests went down to the wire including a 1-point overtime win on January 21.

The region tournament game was played at Washington County High School, a location which always presents a challenge.

“It is a college-sized court,” Pennamon said. “In the past we haven’t had good shooting nights there.”

Chaydon Stone continued his solid play with 18 points while Geralynn Benton stepped up with 13. Kemarion Thomas also finished in double figures with 10.

Throughout the season Pennamon has said it is key for his team to have three players in double figures. The Canes got that Tuesday night. Randy Williams almost made it four players as he added 8 points.

Jasper County-Monticello entered the region tournament as the number three seed.

Prior to the start of the Region 3-AA tournament, the Canes defeated Bleckley County 71-42 on Senior Night last week to close out the regular season.

Stone scored a game-high 33 points while Thomas added 11. Marlerio Stone finished with 9 points and Randy Williams scored 8.

Antonio Mathura scored 4 points while Benton, Jacarian Grier and Eli Terrell each scored 2.