Canes Begin Play at State Tournament

The Jasper County-Monticello High School varsity boys basketball team was set to begin play in the GHSA Class AA state tournament on Wednesday of this week against Toombs County High School in Lyons.

Toombs County entered its region tournament as the number six seed but advanced all the way to the championship game after defeating Vidalia and then advancing by Woodville-Thompkins by forfeit.

“We got plenty of film on them from this past weekend,” Canes coach Chris Pennamon said. “They are on a hot streak. They were the sixth seed in their region and had to win a play-in game and beat Vidalia in overtime.”

Toombs County received a break as the Woodville, Thompkins team quarantined and couldn’t play in the semifinals. The Bulldogs then lost to Swainsboro in the region championship game.

“They are a scrappy team,” Pennamon said of the opening-round state tournament opponent.

Julian Mann scored 30 points for Toombs County in their win against Vidalia.

“This is going to be a good test,” Pennamon said. “They force you to play their style of basketball. We will have to be ready for their pressure and play poised. They get to play at home. Toombs County has a nice gym and in the state tournament anything can happen. They started as the number six seed and are now a number two seed for state.”

One thing concerning the Jasper County-Monticello coach was the fact two of his top scorers had not practiced in a week. Landon Bonner and Austin Cumbess, as well as other players, have been dealing with various injuries. MJ Stone is also dealing with a bruised knee. Cedrion Stone has been cleared to play, his coach said.

The team returned to work for a Sunday afternoon practice session. The Canes did not play in a region tournament as 3-AA officials decided to seed teams based on the regular season.

“We have to go in and battle,” Pennamon said.