‘Canes Come From behind to Win
The Jones County varsity basketball team came to town Tuesday and had the ‘Canes down 26-11 at half time, in what appeared to be developing into a blowout. But the ‘Canes began to gain momentum and confidence late in the game and came away with a 46-44 victory.
The ‘Canes cut Jones County’s lead to just eight points in the third period, but were still down 32-24 when it ended. Early in the fourth period Chris Thomas hit two free throws and cut the lead to three points, 35-32. Then Dondre Stodghill hit a three-pointer to tie it all up at 35.
Josh Stone then hit a two pointer and the ‘Canes took the lead 37-35 for the first time in the game. Tra Jackson hit two free throws and extended the lead to 43-41, but then Jones County hit a three-pointer to bring them within one point (44-43) with only 20 seconds on the clock. J. Stone hits one-of-two free throws for the final point as time ran out. The win brings the ‘Canes’ record to 2-2.
J. Stone led the scoring with 11 points, followed by Thomas, 8; Dee Chapman, Jackson and Dondre Stodghill, 7 each; J. Standifer, 4, and Destin Breaux, 2.
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Head Basketball Coach Ernest Scott said, “This win was about building confidence, staying positive and continuing to work hard. Confidence and belief in ourselves was what this game was about.”
The Lady ‘Canes also picked up a win over Jones County, 38-36.
Although the Lady ‘Canes led throughout the game, Jones did tie the game up at 36 with only 17 seconds left on the clock. Sharika Pennamon put the game on ice with a two pointer, taking the lead with only five seconds left to play. The win extends the Lady ‘Canes season record to 3-1. The scoring was led by Pennamon with 22, followed by Janee Chapman, 9; Cristen Jackson, 3, and Paissley Stewart and Morgan Stokes, 2 each.
Prior to Tuesday’s game, the boys traveled to Jackson last Saturday for a rematch with the Red Devils. After a decisive victory in the first meeting, the ‘Canes lost this one 48-46, after maintaining a lead throughout most of the game. The ‘Canes just couldn’t get it done and lost it in the fourth quarter at the free throw line when they went only 3-for-11. The Red Devils were 12-for-23 at the line.
Scoring was led by Thomas with 12 points, followed by Destin Braux, 11, Josh Stone, 9; Brady McMichael and Dee Chapman, 4 each, De’Atris Stone, 2, and Jackson with one. Chapman sustained a hip injury in the first quarter and wasn’t able to play the rest of the game.
Coach Scott said, “The atmosphere of the game was great, but we let it get away in the fourth quarter when we couldn’t close it out at the free throw line.”
The teams are scheduled to travel to McDonough this Friday, Dec. 2 to play Eagles Landing Christian Academy, and next Tuesday, Dec. 6, to host Morgan County. Tip off time for the Lady ‘Canes is 7 p.m. in McDonough, and 6 p.m. at home next Tuesday. The boys games begin immediately following the girls.