‘Cane Squads Win
In the home stretch of Region 4-AA action, the Monticello Hurricane squads posted victories over Macon County last Friday while splitting action at Bleckley Tuesday.
The Lady Canes, now 7-4 in region play with two games yet to be played, recorded a six point loss at Bleckley. Bleckey is currently the #1 seed on the girls draw and will be one of the sites for region play next week.
Though the ladies lost Tuesday they had a huge win over Macon County Friday, 40- 17. Janee Chapman again led the team in scoring with 21 points; Tierra Whitlock added 9 points; Morgan Stokes had 8, and Akeili Ross, 2.
With the recent win and loss, the Lady Canes are currently tied for the #3 seed with Taylor County in the region draw, according to Jasper County High School Athletic Director Chris Jenkins.
Bleckey leads and Putnam is in the #2 position. With two games left for the Lady Canes Friday at Putnam and Saturday at Crawford, two wins could aid the team significantly. A win over #2 Putnam for the Lady Canes and a Crawford loss to #1 Bleckley would secure the lone #3 seed placement for the Lady Canes. Either way the Lady Canes will play their first region tournament game Tuesday, Feb. 11 in either Bleckley County or Putnam County, the site and time will be determined after all region games are complete Saturday.
The girls side of the draw is being used to host the tournament this year. The second seed will host the first round for both girls and boys and the first seed will host the second and third rounds.
On Friday it was a no contest win for the ladies who led 17-2 in the first and 27-4 at halftime. Macon County didn’t score again until fourth quarter when the Lady Cane starters were retired.
With wins over Macon County and Bleckley, the Canes are currently tied for seed #2 with Taylor. The Canes are 9-3 in region play and two wins this weekend could tie the Canes for the #1 spot. If the Canes split action at Putnam and Crawford, they will be sedded no lower than three, said AD Jenkins.
The Canes will play Wednesday, Feb. 12 whatever happens this weekend. It’s possible that the boys could receive a bye into the semi-finals which guarantees an automatic playoff appearance.
AD Jenkins expressed excitement for the varsity basketball program this season.
“This is the first winning season for both teams we’ve had in a number of years and we are young. I would just like the community to come out and support them now as much as possible.”
In the Canes 71-59 win over Macon County, the compeition was close for the first half. The Canes took a two point lead after the first and a three point led at halftime.
Macon County took a brief one point lead 45 seconds into the second half but it was to be their only opportunity as the Canes came back full steam ahead.
Next up for the varsity squads is Putnam County this Friday, Feb. 7 at home beginning at 6 p.m. junior varsity teams will begin at 4 p.m. The teams will then travel to Crawford County Saturday, Feb. 8 to play Crawford County which was cancelled last Tuesday due to inclement weather.
Nonetheless the Region 4-AA Tournament is set to begin February 10 with the Lady Canes playing Tuesday, Feb. 11 and the Canes playing Wednesday, Feb. 12 at yet to be determined times and sites.
For updates on the Region 4-AA tournament schedule including precise playing times and locations check the Jasper County School website, www.jasperga.high.schooldesk.net following Saturday’s region games wrap-up.