JACKSON County’s woes against nearby foe Oconee County — a region opponent next year — continued Tuesday.
The Lady Panthers suffered their third setback this year against the Lady Warriors, falling 48-30 in the opening round of Oconee County’s holiday tournament.
Jackson County (3-11, 2-1) continues to be plagued by the same problem that has dogged it all year long in its losses: executing the offense.
“Our execution, we’re not all on the same page,” coach John Hawley said. “That’s our biggest problem. Offensively, that’s been our issue all year. We’re not consistently executing what we need to do.”
Mason Garland led the Lady Panthers with 12 points, nine of them coming in the first half. Victoria Fontana added nine.
This was Jackson County’s fourth consecutive loss overall (dating back to last year) to Oconee County, which will be a member of 8-AAA next year along with the Lady Panthers.
Jackson County trailed 29-19 with three minutes left in the third quarter before Oconee County reeled off six straight points to build a commanding lead heading into the fourth quarter. The Lady Panthers never got closer than 13 points in the final period.
Hawley said his team isn’t helping itself out on the offensive boards.
“When you’re not shooting the ball well — we got great looks – you’ve got to get second opportunities,” Hawley said. “And that’s one thing we’ve got to do a better job of. We’ve got to get the second opportunities.”
Oconee County enjoyed a big-time night from the free throw line, hitting 16-of-20 attempts. The Lady Warriors used the charity stripe to help separate themselves from Jackson County in the second quarter. Oconee County converted 9-of-10 attempts to build a 22-13 advantage. The Lady Warriors then closed the quarter with a pair of buckets to lead 26-14 at the half.
The loss dropped Jackson County to 1-10 against teams outside the Lady Panthers’ subregion. But Jackson County has a 2-1 record in 8-AA South play, the only record that really matters.
“That’s our major focus,” Hawley said of subregion play. “And that’s what we told them coming over here (to the tournament). This is why you play now — to keep yourself going and getting ready to play for the region when we come back after Christmas (break).”
Jackson County closes out the tournament against Athens Christian today (Wednesday) at 3 p.m. and East Paulding Thursday at 3 p.m. The team returns to subregion play Jan. 3 against Oglethorpe County at home.
The Jackson County boys opted not to play in this tournament.
The problem here all starts at home…your addressing the writeras an ignorant SOB! There are in-state institutions that will allow an athlete to attend in the $70,000 price range. Not true for a private
institution, but public institutions are numerous for the right athlete.
Also, most colleges are looking for an athlete that can excel in the classroom in their academics. If you consider Jackson County as having a poor academic standard – maybe this is the reason they are not knocking the doors down to recruit students (as stated earlier, the college is looking for good grades)!! Your comment was that Jackson County
has the highest teen rate pregnancy in the state. Like I stated earlier – the problem starts here at home …in the home. Figure that one out !!
Also, to follow up on brighter days huh…on 12/26…
The coach at JCCHS that went to Duluth and went to the state tournament inherited the girls of another coach. Maybe that is why his team went to state last year and are excelling this year. Give a couple of more years to build his own team and I’ll give credit where credit is due. The girls’
basketball team at JCCH is struggling, at best, to win only 3 games out of 11 played. How long before this coach is out the door?
One last comment, why are we thinking about building a new gym facility when we cannot fill up one-fourth of the gym we are currently
playing in. We have no spectators, so why spend and waste taxpayers dollars for the “thrills and frills” of another gym?
The legwork you are taling about comes from
the parent and students commitment in excelling
both in the academic classroom and in sports.
Graduation rate=poor…..finger pointing goes to parent(s)/guardians (stricter standards at home could eliminate the poor rating).
Academic standards=poor…finger pointing…Also, stricter standards at home.
% who actually attend college=poor…finger pointing…parent(s)/student decision making (not every student is cut out to attend college, possibly tech school would serve them better).
Athletic success=poor….finger pointing…player & coach
Standards=poor… finger points to parents
Leadership=poor….finger pointing….educators, student and parent(s)
Teen pregnancy rate=high…..finger point goes to parent & student
Parent(s) rating….You make your own call .
So, there you have it in a nutshell – you know where do you hang your hat ?
Yes, our community deserves better, but it must start at home with the parents and students. Looks to me as if it's a “ little foggy” in the world around you.