The Eagles took on North Oconee Friday night in the regular season finale, losing 75-53 to finish 2-10 in subregion play. They met earlier this season when North Oconee came out victorious 62-56.
This time was different as the North Oconee Titans came out with a purpose.
Right from the tip, the Titans immediately attacked the paint by dishing the ball to senior forward, Greg Hall, for the lay-in. Hall was a big inside presence that converted many second chance opportunities for the Titans.
The Titans, defensive scheme was similar to East Jackson’s previous opponent, Jefferson. North Oconee played a press defense that ultimately caused many turnovers. They also had a size advantage that gave them opportunities to drive the lane and control the boards.
North Oconee ran out to a 21-9 first-quarter lead, a deficit from which the Eagles would not be able to recover.
Eagle sophomore Casey Reed tried to rally the team in the second period by scoring seven points, but it was overshadowed by the perimeter shooting by Titans’ Amir Arabnia. Arabnia hit two jumpers from beyond the arc in the closing minutes of the first half to knock the wind out of the Eagles.
Titans went in with the lead at the half 38-22.
This seemed to be the routine for rest of the night for the Eagles.
North Oconee continued to dominate. Arabnia continued with a quick three at the start of the second half. He ended the night, leading his team with 24 points.
Both teams put in the back-ups in the fourth quarter to close the game out.
