The Jackson County Panthers enter the Christmas break this week fresh off a victory over in-county rival East Jackson over the weekend.
The Panthers are next slated to host Commerce on Dec. 28. Tip-off is scheduled for 4:30 p.m.
The team’s first game after the New Year holiday will be on Jan. 5, when they play host to Habersham Central.
Joseph Smith, pictured with coach Britt Beaver, scored his 1000th career point during Saturday’s game against East Jackson.
Jackson County defeats Eagles, face Tigers Dec. 28
Morgan County
Last week’s play started last Tuesday for the Jackson County Panthers with a trip to Morgan County to face the Bulldogs.
It was a close game from the outset, with Morgan County taking a slim 8-7 lead by the end of the first quarter. Things would stay close in the second quarter, with the Panthers taking a one-point lead, 17-16, into the half.
Jackson County would work hard in the third to retain that lead, coming away with a 34-31 advantage. But Morgan County surged in the fourth quarter, taking the lead back and moving out to a 56-48 victory.
Juice Harrison led the Panthers with 18 points. Jarvis Shaw scored 10. Alex Crawford and Nick Oney each scored eight.
“Morgan has a great group of seniors this year,” said coach Britt Beaver. “They are very physical and will do well this season. We did not do a good job rebounding the basketball. We will not be successful without that key component. It is something we will have to work harder on in practice.”
“Our kids have really improved this year,” Beaver said. “We are putting ourselves in a position to win ballgames but coming up short. At times we are shooting the ball very well and executing our offense. Our defense is much improved as we are limiting our opponents to an average of 55 points a game.”
East Jackson
On Saturday, the Panthers played host to rival East Jackson in the second match up of the two teams this season.
The Panthers jumped out to an early lead, carrying a 13-12 advantage at the end of the first quarter. The Eagles stayed within striking distance, but still trailed by four as Jackson County led 30-26 at the half.
Jackson County held control of the lead in the third quarter, but only by two points, as they led 46-44 at the end of the third. In the fourth quarter, the Panthers were able to add 18 points to their total while the Eagles mustered 14, giving Jackson County a 64-58 victory.
Joseph Smith led the Panthers in scoring, going 17-20 from the line, scoring 31 points and getting 10 rebounds. Jonathan Holton scored eight points and had eight rebounds. Nick Oney scored eight points. Juice Harrison scored five points and had 12 rebounds. Alex Crawford had three assists and two steals.
“This was a great battle between the two Jackson County high schools,” Beaver said. “Both teams fought hard and competed well. I was proud of our kids and their effort. We have a lot to work on over the break, but the kids are playing well together and I am fortunate to work with such a great group of guys. Their hearts are the size of Texas.”
It was also a historic night for Jackson County’s Joseph Smith, who scored his 1000th career point during the game.
For more on this story, see Wednesday's edition of The Jackson Herald or The Braselton News.
Last week’s play started last Tuesday for the Jackson County Panthers with a trip to Morgan County to face the Bulldogs.
It was a close game from the outset, with Morgan County taking a slim 8-7 lead by the end of the first quarter. Things would stay close in the second quarter, with the Panthers taking a one-point lead, 17-16, into the half.
Jackson County would work hard in the third to retain that lead, coming away with a 34-31 advantage. But Morgan County surged in the fourth quarter, taking the lead back and moving out to a 56-48 victory.
Juice Harrison led the Panthers with 18 points. Jarvis Shaw scored 10. Alex Crawford and Nick Oney each scored eight.
“Morgan has a great group of seniors this year,” said coach Britt Beaver. “They are very physical and will do well this season. We did not do a good job rebounding the basketball. We will not be successful without that key component. It is something we will have to work harder on in practice.”
“Our kids have really improved this year,” Beaver said. “We are putting ourselves in a position to win ballgames but coming up short. At times we are shooting the ball very well and executing our offense. Our defense is much improved as we are limiting our opponents to an average of 55 points a game.”
East Jackson
On Saturday, the Panthers played host to rival East Jackson in the second match up of the two teams this season.
The Panthers jumped out to an early lead, carrying a 13-12 advantage at the end of the first quarter. The Eagles stayed within striking distance, but still trailed by four as Jackson County led 30-26 at the half.
Jackson County’s Nick Oney fights to keep the ball away from two Eagles during Saturday’s game against East Jackson. The Panthers would go on to win 64-58. Photo by Brandon Reed
Joseph Smith led the Panthers in scoring, going 17-20 from the line, scoring 31 points and getting 10 rebounds. Jonathan Holton scored eight points and had eight rebounds. Nick Oney scored eight points. Juice Harrison scored five points and had 12 rebounds. Alex Crawford had three assists and two steals.
“This was a great battle between the two Jackson County high schools,” Beaver said. “Both teams fought hard and competed well. I was proud of our kids and their effort. We have a lot to work on over the break, but the kids are playing well together and I am fortunate to work with such a great group of guys. Their hearts are the size of Texas.”
It was also a historic night for Jackson County’s Joseph Smith, who scored his 1000th career point during the game.
For more on this story, see Wednesday's edition of The Jackson Herald or The Braselton News.
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