Boys' basketball: Panthers’ Zimmer scores 23 in losing effort

The senior Panther, who didn’t score in the first half, drained seven three-pointers over the course of the third and fourth quarters in Jackson County’s 59-54 loss to Union County.

Coach Britt Beaver said his team slowed its tempo and played more disciplined offense during Zimmer’s second-half explosion.

“The second half we moved the ball better and we made the extra pass,” Beaver said.

Jared Scott registered a double-double with 12 points and 11 boards. Kevin Lineburger added seven points and six rebounds.

“We did a better job on the boards,” Beaver said.

Xavier Harper had six points.

Jackson County trailed 20-16 at the half but posted 25 points in the third quarter.

Despite the loss, Beaver said Saturday’s game was an upgrade over its opener, a 23-19 victory over Fannin County.

“We did better than we did the other night,” Beaver said. “We really corrected some things.”

This is still a team learning to play together, the coach said.

“We’re still playing really young,” Beaver said. “We’ve just got to get some experience under our belts.”

Jackson County’s next opponent, Class AAAA Habersham Central, is anything but young with seven seniors. The Red Raiders went 17-8 a year ago. Beaver said his group has quite a challenge on its hands in game three.

“They’re a senior-laden team … They should be the best team we play all year,” Beaver said.