Canes Fall to Josey; Defeat Mt. Paran
The varsity Monticello Hurricane squads fell to 7AA region competitor Josey High School last week while hosting the state ranked basketball teams before rebounding with wins at Mt. Paran Tuesday.
The Lady Canes are now 3-3 in region competition following the 59-44 loss to the Lady Eagles of Josey. The squad was less than 50 percent from the free throw line making only 10-of-22 shots.
The Lady Canes made it a close ballgame in the first half and were only down by 5 at halftime.
Scorers included Jasmine Pennamon and Shondra Williams, 11 points each; Shaquala Thurman, 8; Waveka Bledsoe, 6; Talisha Smith, 5; Shawanna Sands, 2; and Dominique Redd, 1.
The ladies followed up last week’s loss with a nonregion victory at Mt. Paran. The Hurricane squads had been scheduled to play Lamar on the road but a cancellation on their part led to a impromptu game at Mt. Paran.
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The Gentlemen Canes, playing like a ranked squad, gave Josey a good run on the court last Friday despite a 66-63 loss. The Canes were hot from three point range all night with Nick Standifer, Octavious Epps, and Markese Thurman combining for 11 three-pointers.
The Canes put forth a stellar first quarter effort by garnering the lead from the start of the game but the Eagles matched their performance point for point to tie at 13 by the close of the first quarter. Josey had the momentum in the second quarter taking a six-point lead at the half but the Canes rallied from behind to dual out an exciting second half.
Down by only one at the end of the third, the Canes just couldn’t summon the neccessary energy to defeat the Eagles who clinched the game in the final seconds.
Friday scorers included Thurman with 21 points; Standifer, 20; Coddy Carter, 8; Alvin Bailey and Epps (who fouled out late in the game) had 5 each; and Brannon Hamm, 4.
“We didn’t make our free throws which made the difference in the game,” said coach Steve Spruell of his team almost dethroning the undefeated Josey squad, now ranked #4. “It’s like I told the guys there’s no moral victories, you got to win the game.”
The Canes finished on top Tuesday defeating Mt. Paran 66-55 on the road. Thurman and Carter led the scoring with 17 points each; Standifer, 12; Bailey, 10; Epps, 6; and Hamm, 4.
Both varsity squad will enjoy the Christmas holiday before participating in the 5th annual Sweet South Classic at Social Circle High School beginning Wednesday Dec. 28. (See brackets for schedule).
MIDDLE SCHOOL
Like their female counterparts did two weeks ago, the Monticello Middle School Canes earned their first victory of the season last Friday at Loganville. After losing their previous five games in close competitions persistance finally paid off for the young team.