While Jackson County’s offense is still under construction, the Lady Panthers moved back to .500 behind some stout defense Tuesday.
Jackson County (2-2) held Oconee County’s offense in check Tuesday night in pulling out a 40-37 win. In fact, the Lady Panthers shut out the Lady Warriors for the final 3:04 of the contest to beat their former Region 8-AAA foes.
“I was really pleased with our half court defensive effort (Tuesday) night,” coach John Hawley said. “We only allowed two three-pointers and did much better on the defensive boards.”
Meanwhile, Ashley Skelton, who got to the rim several times Tuesday night, had a huge night offensively with a season-high 25 points. That total accounted for 62.5 percent of Jackson County’s offense.
Skelton hit a pair of free throws with 2:51 left to pull the Lady Panthers within one point, 37-36.
Macey Latty had just four points but gave Jackson County a 38-37 edge with 1:13 remaining with a go-ahead jumper.
Skelton then capped her night with a pair of free throws in the waning moments to give Jackson County its final margin of victory.
“Ashley had a solid offensive game and hit four big foul shots down the stretch,” Hawley said.
Danni Cunningham had a huge night on the boards with 10 rebounds, while Emily Elrod “played a solid game again on both ends,” Hawley said. Elrod finished with four points.
“Great team win (Tuesday) night,” Hawley said. “The offense is showing some flash. (We) just need to keep working on moving without the ball.”
This was Jackson County’s first game in a week after falling to Rabun County 52-49 Nov. 23.
Jackson County (1-2) got 22 points from Skelton in that game, but the Lady Panthers still suffered their second loss of the season.
Jackson County had its chance late, getting the ball back down three with seven seconds left but couldn’t force overtime.
“We’re working and doing some good things, and we’re just right there on the bubble of making success out of a lot of things we’re doing,” Hawley said.
Elrod and Breanna Drew each added 11 points.
Following that loss, Hawley said his team has improved but is still struggling with its consistency.
“Offensively and defensively, we’ve come a long way,” Hawley said. “But we’ve just got to continue to work at it through repetition.”
